INT and REC independently showed moderate correspondence for RPE-[La] and RPE-HR. However, tighter overall coupling of HR with RPE (vs [La] with RPE) and a dissociation between RPE-[La] suggest RPE during intervals of intense cycling were more sensitive to acute metabolic demand (evidenced by HR) versus [La].

Research on gender differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) has been equivocal with few studies comparing exercise modes and differentiated RPE. The current study examined gender differences in overall and differentiated RPE at the respiratory compensation threshold (RCT) during cycling and treadmill exercise. Each minute during a maximal treadmill and maximal cycling test, men (n=18) and women (n=16) estimated RPE corresponding to overall (RPE-O), legs (RPE-L), and breathing/chest (RPE-C) exertion. A 2 (gender) x 2 (mode) x 3 (RPE-O, RPE-L, RPE-C) repeated measures MANOVA revealed no significant mode x gender or RPE x gender interactions. The exercise mode x RPE interaction approached significance (P=0.055) when cycling [mean (SD) 14.8 (2.9)] and treadmill exercise [12.8 (2.9)] were compared. No main effects for gender [men: 13.7 (2.6), women: 13.4 (2.6)] were detected. Main effects for mode showed RPE to be significantly greater during cycling [14.4 (2.8)] versus treadmill exercise [12.7 (2.9)]. Main effects for differentiated RPE showed RPE-L [13.8 (2.6)] to be significantly greater than RPE-O [13.5 (2.6)] and RPE-C [13.3 (2.6)]. Results suggest that overall and differentiated RPE at the RCT are not significantly different between genders during cycling or treadmill exercise. While RPE-L was statistically greater than RPE-O and RPE-C, the magnitude of the differences makes this result of little practical significance. The marginal interaction suggests greater RPE-L values might be expected at the RCT during cycling versus treadmill exercise. However, results suggest that minimal RPE differences exist between men and women during cycling and treadmill exercise.

Sweat lactate indirectly reflects eccrine gland metabolism. However the potential influence of aerobic fitness on sweat lactate is not well-understood. Six males with high aerobic fitness [peak oxygen consumption ( VO(2)peak): 61.6 (2.5) ml.kg(-1).min(-1)] and seven males with low aerobic fitness [ VO(2)peak: 41.8 (6.4) ml.kg(-1).min(-1)] completed a maximal exertion cycling trial followed on a different day by 60 min of cycling (60 rev.min(-1)) in a 30 degrees C wet bulb globe temperature environment. Intensity was individualized at 90% of the ventilatory threshold ( V(E)/ VO(2) increase with no concurrent V(E)/ VCO(2) increase). Sweat samples were collected from the lumbar region every 10 min and analyzed for lactate concentration. Sweat rate (SR) was significantly greater ( p<0.05) for subjects with a high [1445 (254) ml.h(-1)] versus a low [1056 (261) ml.h(-1)] fitness level. Also, estimated total lactate excretion (SRxmean sweat lactate concentration) was marginally greater ( p=0.2) in highly fit males. However, repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant differences ( p>0.05) between groups for sweat lactate concentration at any time point. Current results show highly fit (vs. low fitness level) males have a greater sweat rate which is consistent with previous literature. However aerobic fitness and subsequent variations in SR do not appear to influence sweat lactate concentrations in males.

Colleges and universities have seen considerable enrollment growth in online courses during the past decade. However, online modalities are not optimal for all subject areas or students. There is growing interest in hybrid, blended, and flipped instruction as a way to incorporate the best of different delivery methods. This study investigates and identifies student preferences for both face-to-face and online learning. Participants were undergraduate students from a mix of freshman, junior, and senior level courses. An open response instrument was used to allow broad insights into students' responses without biasing or limiting the feedback. Results suggest that the most positive impact with face-to-face learning is interaction through class discussions, group projects and other types of active learning. Females responded more positively than male students to interactivity in face-to-face classes. The data further indicates the most positive impact with online learning experiences is the class structure that supports flexibility, organization, and clear expectations. Nontraditional students reported more positively than traditional students about the benefits of flexible classes with clear course structures. This report should be of interest to educators who wish to take a research-based, student-centric, data-driven approach to the design of flipped or hybrid classrooms.

This study examined the association of blood lactate concentration [La] and heart rate (HR) with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during 60 min of steady workload cycling. Physically active college-aged subjects (n = 14) completed an exhaustive cycling test to determine VO(2) (peak) and lactate threshold (2.5 mmol l(-1)). Subjects then cycled for 60 min at the power output associated with 2.5 mmol l(-1) [LA]. HR, [LA], RPE-overall, RPE-legs and RPE-chest were recorded at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min. The 60-min trials were below maximal lactate steady state, with peak lactate concentration occurring at 20 min after which [LA] declined. The 20-min point was therefore considered pivotal, and data at other points were compared to this time point. Repeated measures ANOVA with simple contrasts (alpha = 0.05) showed (a) [LA] at 40, 50 and 60 min was significantly lower than at 20 min, (b) RPE-O and RPE-L were significantly greater at 30, 40, 50 and 60 min than at 20 min, (c) RPE-C was significantly greater at 40, 50 and 60 min than at 20 min, and (d) HR was significantly greater at 30, 40, 50 and 60 min than at 20 min. Significant (P < 0.05) positive correlations were found between HR and RPE-O (r = 0.43), RPE-L (r = 0.48) and RPE-C (r = 0.41) while correlations for [LA]-HR (r = 0.13) and [LA]-RPE (RPE-O: r = -0.11, RPE-L: r = 0.01, RPE-C: r = -0.06) were weak and non-significant. There is a dissociation of RPE and [LA] owing to RPE drift and lactate kinetics in longer duration sub-maximal exercise. Apparently, [LA] is not a strong RPE mediator during extended cycling.