Abstract
PURPOSE: Various physiological parameters have been used to develop tests to estimate the power output associated with the onset of fatigue during cycle ergometry. The purpose of the present study was to use ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to determine the physical working capacity at the RPE threshold (PWCRPE). PWCRPE was compared to other fatigue thresholds determined from the measurement of heart rate (the physical working capacity at the heart rate threshold: PWCHRT), oxygen consumption (the physical working capacity at the oxygen consumption threshold: PWCVO2), and the ventilatory threshold (VT). METHODS: Seven adult volunteers (mean age ± SD = 24 ± 2years) performed an incremental (30W increase every 2 minutes) test to exhaustion on an electronically braked ergometer for the determination of VO2peak and VT. Standard open circuit spirometry (Parvo Medics metabolic cart) was used to collect and analyze expired gas samples. The subjects also performed four randomly ordered eight-minute workbouts at different power outputs (ranging from 100 to 245W) for the determination of PWCRPE, PWCHRT, and PWCVO2. Ratings of perceived exertion were obtained using the Borg 6–20 scale. Heart rate values were monitored using a Polar Heart Watch System. RESULTS: A one-way repeated measure ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparison indicated that PWCRPE (mean ± SD = 90 ± 21W; 48 ± 12% of VO2peak) was significantly less (p < 0.05) than PWCVO2 (mean ± SD = 138 ± 29W; 73 ± 9% ofVO2peak) and VT (mean ± SD = 145 ± 38W; 58 ± 10% of VO2peak). There were no differences between PWCRPE and PWCHRT (mean ± SD = 114 ± 44W; 61 ± 19% of VO2peak). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that there are differences among fatigue thresholds determined from heart rate and oxygen consumption measurements, and that the mathematical model used to estimate PWCHRT and PWCVO2 can be applied to ratings of perceived exertion to determine PWCRPE during cycle ergometry. Theoretically, the PWCRPE provides an estimate of the maximal power output that can be maintained for an extended period of time without a fatigue-induced increase in the perception of effort.
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