Do Obese Children Achieve Maximal Heart Rate during Treadmill Running?

Abstract

Objective: Maximal heart rate (HR) is commonly defined as the highest HR obtained during a progressive exercise test to exhaustion. Maximal HR is considered one of the criteria to assess maximum exertion in exercise tests, and is broadly used when prescribing exercise intensity. The aim of the present study was to compare peak HR measurements during maximal treadmill running and active play in obese children and adolescents. Design: Comparison of peak heart rate during active play vs. maximal treadmill running in 39 (7–17 years old, 18 males) obese children and adolescents. Methods: Heart rate was recorded during intensive active play sessions, as well as during a progressive running test on a treadmill until exhaustion. HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and oxygen uptake were continuously measured during the test. The criteria for having reached maximal effort was a subjective assessment by the technician that the participants had reached his or her maximal effort, and a RER above 1.00 or reporting perceived exertion (RPE) above 17 using the Borg-RPE6–20-Scale. Results: Thirty-four children had a RER ≥1.00, and 37 reported a RPE ≥ 17. Thirty-two children fulfilled both criteria. During active play, peak HR was significantly (p < 0.0001) increased (4%) (mean and 95% confidence intervals; 204 (201, 207) beats/min), compared to during maximal treadmill running (196 (194, 199) beats/min), respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that peak heart rate measurements during progressive running to exhaustion in obese children and adolescents cannot necessarily be determined as maximal heart rate.

Prediction equations for maximal heart rate in obese and nonobese children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…However, field tests can be performed in small groups, which create a competitive environment that can influence greater effort on the part of the participants, besides not being monotonous. Corroborating this hypothesis, Berntsen et al 41 observed that the peak HR achieved during active play was higher than that achieved in treadmill tests in obese adolescents. Another study showed that high levels of perceived competence (intrinsic motivation) are associated with higher test performance.…”

“…39 In addition, the selection of protocols, the duration of test, and ergometers can influence the development of a predictive method by interfering in the performance and consequently in the results of exercise tests. [40][41][42] A limitation in this study was the lack of information to perform the sensitivity analyses for protocols and duration of test, but some points can be elucidated. The premise is that regardless of the protocol used, the tests must be maximal.…”

Influence of grade of obesity on the achievement of VO2max using an incremental treadmill test in youths

“…Therefore, the lower ability of grade II obesity individuals to meet an HR>95%HR max during a treadmill test could only concern youths. According to a recent study 28 , treadmill tests would elicit ~4% lower HR peak than actives games in children with obesity. This study reinforces the idea that a high proportion of youths with obesity is not achieving a maximal effort during a treadmill test.…”