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The aim of this study was to examine physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during self-paced walking for three age groups. 66 adult women were assigned into three groups by age: 20-25 yr. (n=22), 30-35 yr. (n=22), and 40-45 yr. (n=22). Each participant completed a maximal exercise test and a 20-min. bout of walking at a self-selected pace. The preferred walking speed was similar for all age groups, whereas physiological responses relative to maximal and ventilatory threshold values were greater in the 40-45 yr. group than the other two groups. Nevertheless, perceptual and affective responses were similar for all age groups. These findings suggest that physiological responses, but not perceptual and affective responses, of sedentary women are associated with age during walking at a self-selected pace.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of self-selected and imposed exercise intensity on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in 75 obese women. The subjects were divided into: G1 (self-selected intensity); G2 (intensity 10% above ventilatory threshold); and G3 (control group, no exercise). The exercise program consisted of 12 wks. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max and HRVT) in G1 (3.55 mL.kg-1.min-1) and in G2 (9.69 mL.kg-1.min-1). There were no significant changes in body composition. In conclusion, the 12-wk program of self-selected and imposed exercises resulted in an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness with no significant changes in body composition. The self-selected intensity demonstrated to be an important strategy in order to promote engagement of obese subjects in an exercise program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]