Subjective responses to sprint interval exercise in adults with and without Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known of the subjective response to exercise that involves short "all out" bursts of effort, separated by recovery periods (sprint interval exercise (SPRINT)) among adults with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIBC). The purpose of this study was to compare subjective responses to SPRINT and moderate intensity continuous exercise (MOD) among adults with EIBC, and to compare these responses between adults with EIBC and those without EIBC.

METHODS: Eight adults (22.3 ± 3.0 years) with EIBC, and eight adults (22.3 ± 3.0 years) without EIBC completed a SPRINT (4 × 30 second sprints separated by 4.5 minutes of active recovery) and MOD (20 minutes at 65% peak power output) session in random order. Self-reported affect, perceived breathlessness, and perceived exertion were recorded throughout exercise using validated scales. Enjoyment was assessed following exercise.

RESULTS: Differences between SPRINT and MOD were observed such that affect and perceived breathlessness were worse during the initial stages of SPRINT than MOD; however, differences disappeared by the end of exercise. Enjoyment was similar for SPRINT and MOD in the EIBC group (SPRINT: 72.9 ± 20.0 vs. MOD: 79.5 ± 20.5, p = 0.25), and between groups for SPRINT and MOD.

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived breathlessness may impact affect during the early stages of exercise among those with EIBC. Post-exercise enjoyment appears to be similar between SPRINT and MOD. Future research is needed to better understand the relationship between ventilation patterns, exercise intensity, and enjoyment of exercise among those with EIBC.