Effects of age, sex, sweat rate and environmental conditions on heart rate and perceived exertion in indoor cycling

Indoor cycling sessions are usually guided by heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). This study was designed to examine the effects of sex, age, previous experience, use of a HR monitor, estimated sweat rate and room temperature and humidity increases on HR and RPE during indoor cycling sessions. Measurements were made in 39 sessions performed by 300 experienced subjects. Sweat rate was categorized as SR1 ≥ 750, SR2 = 400-749 and SR3 1.5°C; and humidity as H1 ≤ 2, H2 = 2-15 and H3 > 15 percentage points. Mean HR was determined for the sessions and RPE recorded at the start, middle and end of each session. RESULTS: Significant differences in HR were observed between SR1 and SR3 (148.22 ± 12.17 vs 141.73 ± 17.39 bpm; p<0.05) and between T1 and T2 (141.01 ± 16.38 vs 146.95 ± 15.29 bpm; p<0.05). The RPE was lower (p