Reliability of the rating of perceived exertion scale in a population with coronary heart disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the rating of perceived exertion (Borg's RPE scale) in patients with and without coronary heart disease (CHD). Eighteen subjects, nine with CHD and nine controls, underwent two submaximal cycle ergometer tests. The CHD patient group had a mean age of 63.11 ± 6.64 years and a mean body mass of 86.51 ± 11.98 kg; the control groups had a mean age of 54 ± 9.26 years and a mean body weight of 88.78 ± 15.15 kg. Both work rate tests started with 3 minutes at 0 W followed by 4 minutes each at 25, 50, 75, and 100 W. The first test was progressive and in the second test the order of the work rate presentation was varied (50, 100, 75, 25 W). Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), and the RPE were monitored at all work rates, and the subjects were blinded with respect to the actual work rate being undertaken. The order of tests was randomized and each test was performed at least 1 week apart. There was no significant difference ...