Zusammenhang zwischen RPE und Blutlaktatkonzentration im Krafttraining

Abstract

Quantifying actual individual training intensity in resistance training is essential for athletes and trainers, but is at present only possible with methodological problems. Thus, the purpose of this article is to examine the relationship of different types of RPE (rating of perceived exertion) with blood lactate concentrations in hypertrophy training. Hereby it is possible, to deduce conclusions about the validity of the RPE-scale and different times of monitoring. In this article two studies with male subjects are presented (study 1: n=10, 23.7 ± 2.8 years; study 2: n=16, 24.9 ± 2.0 years). In both surveys, subjects had to complete 3 sets with 3 minutes of rest between sets in every exercise. Blood lactate was measured before each exercise and two minutes after the completion of each set. RPE was questioned in different forms simultaneous to lactate measurement as well as directly after each set. Results show medium correlations between subjective perception of exertion and blood lactate concentrations (mean r=0.55-0.71). RPE for the whole body (RPE-O) directly measured after the sets, showed the highest relationship with r=0.71. Maximum lactate values ranged from 4.59–15.22 mmol/l between the subjects. As a result, subjective perception of exertion seems to be parallel to blood lactate concentration on an individual basis. Here, the different forms of RPE-questioning have to be regarded individually. The large range of lactate values show a high individuality of lactate response, also influenced by the amount of muscle mass used. As a conclusion, quantifying individual training intensity should be only done in an individual, longitudinal setting with highly constant surrounding conditions. Although it remains unclear, if a discrete and valid diagnostic tool exists.