THE USE OF RATINGS OF PERCEIVED EXERTION FOR SELF-MONITORING SWIMMING INTENSITY 1229

Abstract

This study examined the use of Borg's category Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale for self-monitoring swimming intensity. Nineteen competent swimmers ages nineteen to fifty-eight participated in six trials. Each trial was separated by a minimum of forty-eight hours. During cycling, overall perceptual feelings at 60 RPM's and zero resistance were anchored to RPE 7. Overall perceptual feelings at 60 RPM's and maximal exertion were anchored to RPE 19. After anchoring overall perceptual feelings, subjects swam at designated intensities based on their overall perceptual feelings. Mean heart rate response at estimated overall RPE 12 and overall RPE 16 during cycling was compared to mean heart rate response reproduced at overall RPE 12 and RPE 16 during swimming. Also, following arm ergometry anchor trials, mean heart rate response at estimated arm RPE 12 and arm RPE 16 during arm ergometry was compared to mean heart rate at reproduced arm RPE 12 and arm RPE 16 during swimming. A one-way analysis of variance revealed no significant difference (p≤0.05) in heart rate response at overall RPE 16 between cycling and swimming. Significant differences were noted in heart rate at overall RPE 12 between cycling and swimming, and at arm RPE 12 and arm RPE 16 between arm ergometry and swimming. These findings suggest that Borg's RPE Scale is most useful in exercise prescription for swimming at higher intensities. Adjustments from overall RPE 12 are needed for establishing a lower intensity. Overall RPE 16 however, appears very effective in defining an upper boundary for swimming intensity.