A Comparison of Periodization Models on Rating of Perceived Exertion

Abstract

Periodization is the planned manipulation of training variables in order to maximize training adaptations and prevent the onset of overtraining syndrome (OTS). It is plausible that variations in periodization could impact rating of perceived exertion (RPE) which may predispose individuals to experience OTS. PURPOSE: The aim of the present investigation was to determine if RPE differed significantly between periodization models at low (8RM), moderate (6RM), and high (4RM) training intensities. METHODS: Twenty-eight college aged men (n = 18) and women (n = 10) were randomly assigned to one of three periodization groups: linear (n = 9), daily undulating (n = 10), and weekly undulating (n = 9). Participants engaged in resistance training three days a week for nine weeks. Weekly training intensity and volume differed between groups with total volume and intensity equated for all groups over the course of the study. Before exercise training, researchers read and distributed a copy of a script to familiarize participants with the Borg C-10 scale for determining RPE. Participants indicated RPE after each of three leg press and bench press sets per training session resulting in 27 scores for each exercise at each training intensity. These scores were averaged for each individual to produce two scores: leg press RPE and bench press RPE. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences in mean RPE scores across groups for each intensity level. RESULTS: No significant differences existed for leg press at low [F(2, 30) = 0.69, p = .51], moderate [F(2, 29) = 1.22, p = .31], or high [F(2, 28) = 0.78, p = .47] intensity session. Similarly, no significant differences existed for bench press at low [F(2, 30) = 0.66, p = .53, moderate [F(2, 29) = 0.09, p = .92], or high [F(2, 28) = 0.20, p = .82] intensity session. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of mean RPE scores revealed exercise was perceived to be hard regardless of periodization model and intensity level. Overall, the findings indicated periodization models do not impact perceived exertion in recreational lifters.