Validation of the OMNI-GSE subjective perceived exertion scale for controlling the global intensity in multi-purpose sessions in elderly people

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to validate the use of the OMNI-GSE (OMNI- Global Session in the Elderly, range: 0-10) perceived exertion scale in the elderly for controlling the global intensity during multi-purpose sessions. Twenty elderly subjects aged 60 and over (10 males and 10 females), all in good physical condition withat least 18months of participation in specific programs of physical activity for elderly people. All of them were familiarized with the use of the proposed scale. They performed 3 standardized sessions of 60 minutes, performed in random order, in which heart rate was controlled by means of a heart rate monitor: 1) low-intensity (RPE ≈ 4), moderate-intensity (RPE ≈ 6) and high-intensity (RPE ≈ 8). Sessions were controlled by a specialist with over 3 years of experience in working with elder people. Each session consisted of: a). mobility exercises (5 min); b). balance and proprioception exercises (5 min) c). agility exercises (5 min); d). functional strength exercises (15 min); e). endurance exercises (25 min) and f). static stretching exercises (5 min). Immediately after the end of the session, subjects were asked to point in a numeric scale and with the visual support of the images, their subjective perception of the session’s intensity. The values of the scale showed positive correlation with cardiac output(total of heartbeats in each session): correlation of 0,86 (r 2 = 0,74) for the low-intensity session; of 0,91 (r 2 = 0,83) for the moderate-intensity session; and of 0,93 (r 2 = 0,86) for the high-intensity session. The present findings suggest that the designed scale may be used to efficiently control the global intensity of a multiple objective session in elderly people with previous experience in this type of session.