Perceived Exertion Observation In Children Using The Omni Pictorial Scale

Abstract

PURPOSE Concurrent and construct validity of an exertional observation procedure was examined for 10 to 14 year old female (N=10) and male (N=10) healthy children. METHODS A multi-stage treadmill test protocol with three minute speed/grade increments was used. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for the overall body was simultaneously estimated by both an observer and subject during each treadmill stage using the Children's OMNI-Walk/Run Scale. A trained observer (male or female) estimated the subjects' RPE using a partial interval sampling coding system. The observer was positioned at a left frontal angle (45°) to the subject. Subject's heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured during each stage. Concurrent validity was established by correlating the observer's RPE with the subject's HR and VO2. Construct validity was examined by correlating RPE estimated by the observer with RPE estimated by the subject. RESULTS The range of exercise responses for the female and male subjects was: VO2 = 15.8 to 36.7 ml · kg−1· min−1, HR = 114 to 197 b·min−1 and OMNI Scale RPE = 1 to 8. Observer RPE estimates for the female and male subjects ranged from 0 to 10. For both female and male groups correlation/regression analyses indicated that observer's RPE distributed as a positive function of subject's HR and VO2; r = 0.83 to 0.86 (p <0.01). Observer RPE distributed as a positive function of subject RPE for both females and males; r = 0.87 to 0.90 (p <0.01). CONCLUSION Concurrent and construct evidence supports the validity of an OMNI Scale exertional observation procedure for female and male children performing treadmill exercise. Exertional observation provides an unobtrusive perceptual estimate of exercise intensity and could be included in standardized physical activity assessments for children.