PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO ECCENTRIC EXERCISE

In order to compare the physiological and psychological responses to various levels of eccentric exercise, 7 active men (25 +/- 5 yrs) exercised for 60 min on separate days at 60% of apparatus specific VO2 max using downhill jogging (-5% 60DH), level jogging (60J), and cycling (60C). Virtually all of the responses to 60DH fell between 60J and 60C. Heart rate, O-2 pulse, and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly different among modes, with the responses during 60DH falling between those during 60J and 60C. Fat energy expenditure during the 60-min exercise bout was significantly higher during 60J, followed by 60DH and then 60C. Ratings of perceived exertion followed the order of 60C > 60DH > 60J. Vigor and fatigue scores on the Profile of Mood States also followed a hierarchy that paralleled the physiological responses. These results suggest that downhill jogging elicits physiological and psychological responses that are between those elicited by level jogging and cycling.