PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO ECCENTRIC EXERCISE

In order to compare the physiological and psychological responses to v arious levels of eccentric exercise, 7 active men (25 +/- 5 yrs) exerc ised for 60 min on separate days at 60% of apparatus specific VO2 max using downhill jogging (-5% 60DH), level jogging (60J), and cycling (6 0C). Virtually all of the responses to 60DH fell between 60J and 60C. Heart rate, O-2 pulse, and respiratory exchange ratio were significant ly different among modes, with the responses during 60DH falling betwe en those during 60J and 60C. Fat energy expenditure during the 60-min exercise bout was significantly higher during 60J, followed by 60DH an d then 60C. Ratings of perceived exertion followed the order of 60C > 60DH > 60J. Vigor and fatigue scores on the Profile of Mood States als o followed a hierarchy that paralleled the physiological responses. Th ese results suggest that downhill jogging elicits physiological and ps ychological responses that are between those elicited by level jogging and cycling.