The application of subjective ratings of perceived exertion to regulate exercise intensity during upper body exercise

Abstract

Exercise intensity can be measured using objective markers, such as oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR) and power output (PO), and with subjective markers such as Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE). During traditional exercise testing and prescription settings, intensity is typically regulated using objective markers. However, in both examples, RPE offers an enticing option as an alternative method. For exercise testing this comes through the use of a maximal perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRETmax), and in exercise prescription through utilising RPE-guided training. Though, despite the potential advantages of the PRETmax and RPE-guided training, little evidence exists as to the application of these methods during upper body exercise (UBE). For able-bodied (AB) individuals, UBE provides an alternative to more common lower body forms of exercise, whilst for individuals with a disability affecting the lower limbs, UBE is the predominant form of both daily mobility and exercise. Therefore, in order to inform practice surrounding UBE testing and prescription, it is essential to understand more about the application of RPE. [Continues.]