Concurrent Validity Of Borg’s Rating Of Perceived Exertion In African-American Young Adults, Employing Heart Rate As The Standard

Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a simple and convenient method of monitoring exercise intensity; however, the correlation between RPE and heart rate (HR) is not always consistent. This pilot study examined the criterion-based validity of RPE versus heart rate. Twelve fasting, healthy African-American volunteers at ages of 21-41 years performed a supervised, 45-minute brisk walk test on a treadmill over three consecutive days. Throughout the test, each subject was asked the RPE every five minutes. The subjects\u27 heart rates were monitored continuously and recorded every minute. The overall correlation coefficient, r, between RPE and HR for all data sets (N=360) was 0.58. The r values for males and females were 0.60 and 0.56, respectively. The analysis revealed that the correlation between RPE and HR was not as strong as previously reported, and that gender influenced the correlation. Also, RPE may be safely used to assess the exercise intensity in healthy subject

Association between Lifestyle Factors and Metabolic Syndrome among African Americans in the United States

Background. Although there is a reported association between lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome, very few studies have used national level data restricted to the African Americans (AAs) in the United States (US). Methods. A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2006 including men and nonpregnant women of 20 years or older. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome. Results. AA women had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (39.43%) than AA men (26.77%). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, no significant association was found between metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors including alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and physical activity. Age and marital status were significant predictors for metabolic syndrome. With increase in age, both AA men and AA women were more likely to have metabolic syndrome (AA men: ORadj=1.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.06, AA women: ORadj=1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.07). Single AA women were less likely to have metabolic syndrome than married women (ORadj=0.66, 95% CI 0.43–0.99). Conclusion. Lifestyle factors had no significant association with metabolic syndrome but age and marital status were strong predictors for metabolic syndrome in AAs in the US