Take the Talk Test to Gauge Exercise

Can you rub your belly and pat your head at the same time? How about walk and talk at the same time? Being able to talk while exercising is a simple way to make sure you get all the benefits of the program without the risks. So say researchers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Sixteen healthy volunteers (men and women) were tested on a treadmill and a bike. Heart rate and breathing metabolism were measured. All subjects were asked to exercise at a comfortable level, so that they could talk at the same time. This is called the Talk Test.

Using the Talk Test as a measure of exercise intensity, the researchers found that subjects used the same amount of oxygen on the bike and the treadmill. They conclude that the Talk Test is a good way to prescribe the right level of exercise in a variety of settings.

The Talk Test is a good tool to find the best level of exercise intensity when expensive exercise testing isn't possible.