Effects of an individualized rehabilitation program prescribed by perceived exertion in women with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: This study examined if the rating scale of perceived exertion (RPE) could be used to prescribe an individualized exercise intensity at the crossover point (COP) of substrate utilization and monitor such an individualized rehabilitation program in women with metabolic syndrome (MS). Secondly, the study investigated the effects of such a program. METHODS: Nineteen women were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation, which was individualized at RPE corresponding to their respective COP determined by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: The women succeeded in regulating the exercise intensity using the targeted RPE (11.7 +/- 2.8 corresponding to 40 +/- 15 W) during the training program. Moreover, the rehabilitation program at RPE corresponding to the COP perceived between light and moderate by these women was sufficient to improve the metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors defining MS as well as the physical fitness in these women. Finally, this program, which allowed for a decrease in the prevalence of MS (-33%), was associated with a very high level of adhesion and compliance. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that an individualized aerobic rehabilitation program using target RPE seems to be effective and tolerable in women with MS.