Physiological and psychological responses to eccentric exercise.

In order to compare the physiological and psychological responses to various levels of eccentric exercise, 7 active men (25 +/- 5 yrs) exercised for 60 min on separate days at 60% of apparatus specific VO2 max using downhill jogging (-5% 60DH), level jogging (60J), and cycling (60C). Virtually all of the responses to 60DH fell between 60J and 60C. Heart rate, O2 pulse, and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly different among modes, with the responses during 60DH falling between those during 60J and 60C. Fat energy expenditure during the 60-min exercise bout was significantly higher during 60J, followed by 60DH and then 60C. Ratings of perceived exertion followed the order of 60C > 60DH > 60J. Vigor and fatigue scores on the Profile of Mood States also followed a hierarchy that paralleled the physiological responses. These results suggest that downhill jogging elicits physiological and psychological responses that are between those elicited by level jogging and cycling.