COUNTERPOINT: Theoretical and Empirical Basis for Equating Heart Rate Reserve with V̇o2 Reserve

Abstract

ABSTRACT In 1998, the American College of Sports Medicine recommended the use of % heart rate reserve (HRR) and % oxygen consumption reserve (V̇o2R) for providing equivalent exercise intensities based on limited research regarding the relationship of HR and V̇o2 from rest to maximal exercise. It further emphasized that the percentage of aerobic capacity, or %V̇o2max, does not provide equivalent intensities to %HRR and that this discrepancy is greater for individuals with lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, especially at low exercise intensities. This point/counterpoint examines additional research to evaluate these relationships.