Changes In Ratings Of Perceived Exertion Research Articles

Applicability of Ratings of Perceived Exertion as a Measure of Subjective Fatigue in First Responders: An Exploratory Study

Introduction: Many researchers use Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) as an indicator of subjective fatigue. Recent findings suggest that energy and fatigue are two distinct unipolar moods. Methods: Eleven first responders (FR) participated in a 90-minute strenuous exercise battery where they ended the protocol by completing a graded VO2max test where they were asked to perform until volitional fatigue, measured through RPE. Subjective feelings of mental energy (ME) and fatigue (MF) and physical energy (PE) and fatigue (PF) were measured before the beginning of the protocol and right after. Data was not normally distributed and presented in median and interquartile ranges. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for RPE, post mood state, and changes in mood states. Results: Participants’ self-reported RPE at the conclusion of the VO2max test was 18.27 [18.00,19.00]. Post PE (r=-0.012, p=0.97), PF (r=-0.036, p=0.92), ME (r=-0.13, p=0.69), and MF (r=0.43, p=0.19) displayed insignificant correlations with RPE. Similarly, insignificant correlations were observed between changes in PE (r=0.26, p=0.44), PF (r=0.46, p=0.15), ME (r=0.35, p=0.30), MF (r=-0.43, p=0.19), and RPE. Five participants reported an increase in feelings of PE (15.00 [13.00,19.00]) and seven participants reported lower feelings of PF (-12.00 [-19.50,-8.00]) post assessment. Seven participants reported improvements in ME (22.00 [8.00,68.00]) and three reported a reduction in MF (-13.00 [-27.00, -7.00]). Conclusions: Our findings suggests that self-reported RPE may not be a reliable measure of subjective fatigue in FR populations during acute strenuous exercise. Further our findings support previous work that ME, MF, PE, and PF are four distinct unipolar moods, and researchers seeking to assess fatigue in FR should use RPE with caution as it seems to be a measure of subjective perception of exercise intensity instead of a true measure of subjective fatigue.

Exploring actual and perceived levels of physical activity intensity during virtual reality active games.

Research suggests that engaging in active virtual reality (VR) video games can elicit light to moderate levels of physical activity (PA), making it a novel and fun mode of exercise. Further research is needed to understand the influence of VR on perceptions of exertion and enjoyment during PA. The objectives of this study are (1) to compare actual and perceived exertion within and between active VR games with varying levels of difficulty and (2) to determine how playing active VR games influences PA enjoyment during gameplay. A total of 18 participants completed four separate study sessions, during which they engaged in either a 15-min bout of traditional exercise (stationary cycling) or played one VR game. Heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg CR10 scale were assessed during VR gameplay and cycling. Enjoyment was measured after gameplay. VR games included playing Holopoint at level 2 and level 3 and Hot Squat. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine (1) changes in HR and RPE across time within games and (2) differences in actual and perceived levels of intensity and enjoyment between games. Bivariate correlations examined the relationship between the degree of change in actual intensity and the degree of change in perceived intensity during each VR game and cycling. The analyses revealed that RPE and HR significantly increased from baseline during each condition and generally increased across the 15-min of gameplay. Hot Squat and cycling elicited a significantly higher percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) than Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. Holopoint level 3 elicited a higher %HRR than Holopoint level 2. The participants reported greater average and max RPE during Hot Squat and cycling compared with Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. The correlations revealed a significant positive correlation between the degree of change in HR and RPE for cycling, but no significant correlations were observed for any of the VR conditions. The physical activity during Holopoint at both levels was rated as more enjoyable than Hot Squat and cycling. Our data support the notion that VR has the potential to alter individuals' perceptions of exertion during PA and, in particular, may reduce their awareness of increases in actual exertion.

The Relationship between the Change in Pelvic Alignment during Moderate-Intensity Running and the Subjective Rating of Perceived Exertion, Rating of Perceived Exertion for Legs and Gluteus Muscles Fatigue in Female Novice and Recreational Runners

Running has become 1 of the 2 most well-known exercises for health; however, running may cause injuries. The purpose of this analytical descriptive study was to examine the occurrence of pelvic drop during moderate-intensity running in female novice and recreational runners; as well as investigating the relationship between the change in pelvic alignment and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Rating of Perceived Exertion for Legs (RPElegs) and Gluteus muscles fatigue in novice and recreational runners. The participants, aged between 18 and 35 years old, comprised 27 novice runners (less than 1 year of running experience) and 27 recreational runners (2 - 4 years running experience). The participants in both groups performed the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test and ran at a self-selected speed on a treadmill for 30 min at moderate-intensity within the specified heart rate range of 40 - 59 % heart rate reserve (HRR). RPE, RPElegs and sEMG were collected every 2 min and the pelvic kinematic data were also recorded every minute during the 30 min treadmill running test. The data were analyzed with a statistical significance level at p-value < 0.05. The results demonstrated that the time in starting pelvic drop was 8.15 ± 5.07 and 18.37 ± 6.70 min in female novice and recreational runner groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Pearson’s correlations showed relationship between the pelvic alignment and RPE in novice runners (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and recreational runners (r = 0.39, p < 0.01). Besides, Pearson’s correlations showed relationship between the pelvic alignment and RPElegs in novice runners (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) and recreational runners (r = 0.32, p < 0.01). In both groups, there was no relationship between the pelvic alignment and Gluteus medius and Gluteus maximus muscle fatigue. According to the study, the occurrence of a pelvic drop in novice runners was faster than recreational runners. The study indicated that consideration of RPE and RPElegs variables might be beneficial for female runners and future studies. HIGHLIGHTS The occurrence of pelvic drop in novice runners was faster than recreational runners. There was a relationship between the change in pelvic alignment and RPE and also RPElegs in female novice and recreational runners. The study indicated that consideration of RPE and RPElegs variables might be beneficial for female runners and future studies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The cardiovascular response to exercise in athletes recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection: A prospective cohort study with repeated measures over 16 weeks – AWARE IX

ABSTRACT Higher exercise heart rate (HR) and prolonged return-to-sport in athletes with SARS-CoV-2 infection are described, but the cardiovascular response to exercise during recovery is not understood. This prospective, cohort, experimental study with repeated measures evaluated the cardiovascular response to exercise over 16 weeks in athletes recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Athletes (n = 82) completed 2–5 repeat assessments at regulated intervals over 16 weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data from 287 assessments (submaximal exercise tests; Modified Bruce protocol) are included. HR (bpm), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mmHg) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (Borg scale 6–20) were measured. Rates of change in HR, SBP and RPE over time are reported. Submaximal exercise HR, SBP and RPE decreased significantly over 16 weeks (p < 0.01). There was a steeper rate of decline for HR and RPE ≤30 days compared to >30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection: HR at Stage 3: ≤30 days −0.53 (0.01); >30 days −0.06 (0.02) and Stage 5: ≤30 days −0.77 (0.12); >30 days −0.12 (0.02); RPE at Stage 3: ≤30 days −0.09 (0.02); >30 days −0.01 (0.0002) and Stage 5: ≤30 days −0.13 (0.02); >30 days −0.02 (0.004). The findings provide clinical recommendation for exercise prescription and monitoring RPE in response to exercise post-SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to the clinical understanding of recovery which can help manage athlete expectations.

Is the figure-8 fatigue protocol a suitable tool to investigate shoulder muscle fatigue in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury?

Introduction&#x0D; Shoulder pain is common in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been associated with wheelchair use. Previous studies identified fatigue related compensation strategies that could impact the development of shoulder injury and pain (Bossuyt et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to determine the presence of performance and perceived fatigability during a figure-8 fatigue protocol (F8F; Collinger et al., 2010) and thereby validate the protocols suitability to assess fatigue in wheelchair users with SCI.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Wheelchair users with paraplegia (N = 43, age = 50.2 ±10.1 years, body weight = 72.1 ±13.3 kg, time since injury = 27.1 ±11.6 years) completed a F8F introduced by Collinger et al. (2010). The F8F consists of 3 bouts of 4 minutes maximum voluntary propulsion including turns and full stops with 90 seconds of rest between the bouts thereby simulating wheelchair propulsion during daily life. The surface EMG signal of the biceps brachii, pectoralis major (pars sternalis), deltoideus pars acromialis, lower and upper trapezius of the non-dominant shoulder was recorded. To analyse performance fatigability, root mean square (RMS) (expected to increase with fatigue) of the five muscles was calculated with a short-time Fourier transformation. RMS means were normalised to the starting RMS values. In addition, heart rate (HR) was measured using a heart rate monitor. To analyse perceived fatigability, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was captured with a 20-point Borg scale. A one-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse changes in the dependent variables RMS, HR and RPE over time (α = 0.05). Correlation coefficients (Spearman- or Pearson-Test) between changes in HR, RPE and RMS of muscles with significant effects for time, were calculated.&#x0D; Results and Discussion&#x0D; RPE as well as HR and RMS of pectoralis major and upper trapezius showed the expected increases at the end of the demanding parts of the protocol. The changes in RMS demonstrate a shift in the power of the EMG signal indicating fatigue. The presence of fatigue in only a subset of the muscles may lead to muscular imbalances and over time induce injury and/or pain. Weak to moderate correlations were found between changes in HR and RPE as well as between changes in RMS of pectoralis major and RMS of upper trapezius. The correlation of changes in HR and RPE further demonstrates the association of more global measures of performance and perceived fatigability. Nevertheless, these global measures of fatiguability did not correlate with the changes in RMS, a local measure of performance fatiguability. The lack of association between global and local parameters demonstrates the importance of recording local parameters like RMS and suggests the integration of local RPE-scores for future research. Exercise programs targeting the trapezius and pectoralis major may have a role in preventing fatigue during wheelchair propulsion.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; The detected changes in markers of performance and perceived fatigability support F8F as an adequate choice to evaluate the effect of wheelchair propulsion induced fatigue in wheelchair users with paraplegia. Furthermore, these findings support the value of investigating biomechanical changes during fatiguing wheelchair propulsion that resembles daily life activities, when the neuromuscular system is prone to adaptations, as it may give us further insights into the development of shoulder injury and pain.&#x0D; References&#x0D; Bossuyt, F. M., Arnet, U., Cools, A., Rigot, S., de Vries, W., Eriks-Hoogland, I., Boninger, M. L., &amp; Group, S. S. (2020). Compensation strategies in response to fatiguing propulsion in wheelchair users: Implications for shoulder injury risk. American Journal of Physical Medicine &amp; Rehabilitation, 99(2), 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001267&#x0D; Collinger, J. L., Impink, B. G., Ozawa, H., &amp; Boninger, M. L. (2010). Effect of an intense wheelchair propulsion task on quantitative ultrasound of shoulder tendons. PM&amp;R, 2(10), 920-925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.06.007

Pediatric Functional Neurological Symptoms Disorder: Walking Ability and Perceived Exertion Post-Pediatric Rehabilitation.

Adolescents with functional neurological symptoms disorder (FNSD) commonly present walking abnormalities. Walking is influenced by 'objective' (e.g., fitness) and 'subjective' (e.g., fear) components. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) reflects the interaction between these two components. This study compared the walking ability and RPE before and after rehabilitation of adolescents with FNSD to adolescents with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Factors predicting walking and RPE were also examined. Adolescents with FNSD (n = 31) and adolescents with moderate-to-severe TBI (n = 28) aged 6 to 18 years participated in the study. Participants received a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) and RPE were assessed before and after rehabilitation. At pre-test, the TBI group presented lower RPE than the FNSD group (3.38 ± 2.49 and 6.25 ± 2.71, respectively). In the FNSD group, pre-test 6MWT was a significant predictor of post-test 6MWT (adjusted R2 = 0.17; p = 0.01). In the TBI group, post-test 6MWT was significantly predicted by both the pre-test 6MWT and age (adjusted R2 = 0.16; p = 0.04). Prior to the intervention, adolescents with FNSD perceived walking as a more difficult activity than adolescents with TBI. Post-intervention, although the intervention was effective in terms of changes in 6MWT and RPE, the 'subjective' component still contributed to the elevated RPE of the FNSD group.

To Compare the Effects of Adding Handheld and Ankle Weights During Treadmill Walking on Blood Pressure and Rate of Perceived Exertion in Normal Healthy Adults: An Experimental Study

Context: Walking is the most commonly reported activity which requires no special facilities and is achievable by all groups with little injury risk. Nowadays, adding weights to different locations while walking is popular in general fitness and rehabilitation programs, which again increases energy expenditure as well as oxygen consumption in a shorter quantity of time. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of adding handheld and ankle weights during treadmill walking on blood pressure and rate of perceived exertion in normal healthy adults. Settings and Design: The experimental study took place in the laboratory and was designed to be carried on for three sessions to measure the changes in blood pressure and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) while walking with and without weight. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-three participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited to perform the exercise session with handheld and ankle and without weights and it consisted of 8 min of exercise testing with and without weights for two sessions. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical test data were screened for normal distribution by Shapiro–Wilk test. Data were normally distributed for the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and RPE. Hence, parametric tests were applied for SBP, DBP, and RPE within-session and between-session analysis. Within-session analysis was done by paired t-test and between-session analysis was done by unpaired t-test. Results: Intra-session analysis by paired t-test in both sessions shows statistically significant changes in SBP and RPE (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, DBP was found significant while using handheld weights compared to no weights. While inter-session analysis by unpaired t-test showed significant changes in DBP compared to that of SBP, RPE using handheld weights during treadmill walking. Conclusions: Study shows addition of handheld weights proves to be more effective in adults who cannot run, or do not like to run, or are limited in walking speed, and may benefit from the addition of hand-held weight (HHW) and ankle weight (AW).

Acute physiological responses to steady-state arm cycling ergometry with and without blood flow restriction.

To compare heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), blood lactate (BL), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during arm cycling with and without a blood flow restriction (BFR). Twelve healthy males (age: 23.9 ± 3.75years) completed four, randomized, 15-min arm cycling conditions: high-workload (HW: 60% maximal power output), low-workload (LW: 30% maximal power output), low-workload with BFR (LW-BFR), and BFR with no exercise (BFR-only). In the BFR conditions, cuff pressure to the proximal biceps brachii was set to 70% of occlusion pressure. HR, VO2, and RPE were recorded throughout the exercise, and BL was measured before, immediately after, and five minutes post-exercise. Within-subject repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate condition-by-time interactions. HW elicited the greatest responses in HR (91% of peak; 163.3 ± 15.8bpm), VO2 (71% of peak; 24.0 ± 3.7mlkg-1min-1), BL (7.7 ± 2.5mmol L-1), and RPE (14 ± 1.7) and was significantly different from the other conditions (p < 0.01). The LW and LW-BFR conditions did not differ from each other in HR, VO2, BL, and RPE mean of conditions: ~ 68%, 41%, 3.5 ± 1.6mmol L-1, 10.4 ± 1.6, respectively; p > 0.05). During the BFR-only condition, HR increased from baseline by ~ 15% (on average) (p < 0.01) without any changes in VO2, BL, and RPE (p > 0.05). HW arm cycling elicited the largest and most persistent physiological responses compared to LW arm cycling with and without a BFR. As such, practitioners who prescribe arm cycling for their clients should be advised to augment the demands of exercise via increases in exercise intensity (i.e., power output), rather than by adding BFR.

Exercised-Induced Hypoalgesia following An Elbow Flexion Low-Load Resistance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial in Healthy Adults.

We aimed to evaluate the hypoalgesic effect of an elbow flexion low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (LLRE-BFR) when compared to high-load resistance exercise (HLRE) with sham-BFR in healthy individuals. Forty healthy young adults (17 women), with a mean age ± SD: 26.6 ± 6.8 years, and mean body mass index ± SD: 23.6 ± 2.7 were randomly assigned to either an LLRE-BFR (30% 1 repetition maximum, RM) or an HLRE with sham-BFR group (70% of 1 RM). Blood pressure and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured pre- and post-exercise intervention. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each set. There were non-significant between-group changes in PPT at the dominant biceps (-0.61, 95%CI: -1.92 to 0.68) with statistically significant reductions between pre- and post-exercise in LLRE-BFR (effect size, d = 0.88) and HLRE-BFR (effect size, d = 0.52). No within- or between-group differences were recorded in PPT at non-exercising sites of measurement. No mediating effects of changes in blood pressure or RPE on the changes in pressure pain threshold were observed. LLRE-BFR produced a similar hypoalgesic effect locally compared to HLRE and can be used as an alternative intervention to decrease pain sensitivity when HLRE is contraindicated or should be avoided.

High Dose of Acute Normobaric Hypoxia Does Not Adversely Affect Sprint Interval Training, Cognitive Performance and Heart Rate Variability in Males and Females.

Simple SummarySprint interval training (SIT) is a feasible and time-efficient alternative to classical endurance training that has gained popularity among athletes because of its ability to elicit physiological and cardiorespiratory adaptations in a shorter amount of time than traditional endurance training. Further, popular altitude/hypoxic training techniques include intermittent hypoxic training, in which athletes exercise at submaximal levels under simulated hypoxia while living at sea level (normoxia). Hypoxic exercise is likely a more potent stimulant to upregulate muscle factors (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative, and glycolytic enzymes) than similar normoxic exercise. However, SIT in hypoxia may disturb acute performance indices during sprint intervals. Hypoxia may also impair cognitive function. Acute hypoxia may decrease cognitive performance in areas such as memory and executive functioning. Moreover, males and females may have distinct athletic performance responses to SIT and hypoxia. However, to date, there is no study that has investigated the effects of different doses of acute normobaric hypoxia on SIT and cognitive performance, nor has there been research investigating potential sex-based differences.Although preliminary studies suggested sex-related differences in physiological responses to hypoxia, the effects of sex on sprint interval training (SIT) performance in different degrees of hypoxia are largely lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of different doses of normobaric hypoxia on SIT performance as well as heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive performance (CP) in amateur-trained team sport players by comparing potential sex differences. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 26 (13 females) amateur team-sport (football, basketball, handball, rugby) players completed acute SIT (6 × 15 s all-out sprints, separated with 2 min active recovery, against a load equivalent to 9% of body weight) on a cycle ergometer, in one of four conditions: (I) normoxia without a mask (FiO2: 20.9%) (CON); (II) normoxia with a mask (FiO2: 20.9%) (NOR); (III) moderate hypoxia (FiO2: 15.4%) with mask (MHYP); and (IV) high hypoxia (FiO2: 13.4%) with mask (HHYP). Peak (PPO) and mean power output (MPO), HRV, heart rate (HR), CP, capillary lactate (BLa), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) pre- and post-SIT were compared between CON, NOR, MHYP and HHYP. There were no significant differences found between trials for PPO (p = 0.55), MPO (p = 0.44), RPE (p = 0.39), HR (p = 0.49), HRV (p > 0.05) and CP (response accuracy: p = 0.92; reaction time: p = 0.24). The changes in MP, PP, RPE, HR, CP and HRV were similar between men and women (all p > 0.05). While BLa was similar (p = 0.10) between MHYP and HHYP trials, it was greater compared to CON (p = 0.01) and NOR (p = 0.01), without a sex-effect. In conclusion, compared to normoxia, hypoxia, and wearing a mask, have no effect on SIT acute responses (other than lactate), including PP, MP, RPE, CP, HR, and cardiac autonomic modulation either in men or women.

COMBINAÇÃO DE DIFERENTES MÉTODOS DE TREINO CONCORRENTES EM IDOSOS COM SÍNDROME METABÓLICA

ABSTRACT Introduction: There are no studies comparing the effects of different concurrent training routines [i.e., a resistance training plus high-intensity interval training (RT+HIIT) program compared to an RT plus moderate-intensity continuous training (RT+MICT) program] on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical performance in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of two concurrent training routines, RT+HIIT versus RT+MICT, on CRF and physical fitness in adults and older adults with MetS. Methods: Thirty-nine participants (67.0±6.7 years of age) were randomly assigned into three groups: RT+ MICT, RT+ HIIT and the control group (CON, no exercise). The 12-week physical training program consisted of 3 sessions/week (~50 minutes/session). The aerobic training component was customized for iso-caloric energy expenditure (P≥0.217) and iso-load distribution (TRIMP, P≥0.893), however the MICT component had a longer aerobic training time (P≤0.01). We evaluated pre- and post-evaluation CRF (VO2peak), physical capacity [power of lower limbs (PLL), running velocity, and running time to exhaustion], plasma lactate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), resting heart rate (HRrest), and peak heart rate (HRpeak). Results: At the end of the intervention, a significant increase in the VO2peak was observed only in the RT+HIIT group (P=0.01), but compared to the CON group both RT+HIIT and RT+MICT groups had significant improvement in the VO2peak (P≤0.02). Only the RT+HIIT group had lower HRrest as compared to the baseline and the CON group. Also, both RT+HIIT and RT+MICT groups, but not CON, significantly improved running speed, time to exhaustion, and PLL (P&lt;0.05). There were no significant changes in HRpeak, RPE, and lactate for any of the groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 12 weeks of RT+MICT or RT+HIIT improve lower-limb physical performance. Also, our results suggest that RT+HIIT provides additional CRF benefits in older adults with MetS. Level of evidence II; Randomized Experimental Study.

Impact of time-of-day on judo-specific performance

In judo tournaments, matches for each weight category are held on the same day and athletes competing at the finals have to compete at different times of the day. This study aimed to investigate the effect of time-of-day on judo specific performance and the changes in physiological load following judo specific performance. Fourteen male judo athletes (age 19.1±1.4 years) voluntarily participated in the study. At the 1st visit, anthropometrical measurements and familiarization procedures were conducted and the athletes’ chronotype was determined. Athletes performed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) during 2nd and 3rd visits. Athletes randomly performed two consecutive SJFTs with 15 min intervals at 10:00h, which is the official start time of matches, and at 18:00h which is the time when the finals start. During SJFT applications, athletes heart rate (HR), blood lactate (bLA), body temperature and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. The changes in total throw numbers (F1, 13= 1.32, p=0.27) and SJFT index (F1, 13= 0.30, p=0.59) were not different between morning and evening. There were similar changes in bLA (F4, 52=0.66, p=0.63), RPE (F1, 13=1.42, p=0.26) and body temperature (F1.4, 18.0=1.18, p=0.31) which were measured before and after the tests. However, HR measured in the evening were higher compared to morning measurement at all measurement times (F1, 13=10.28, p=0.01), but there was no difference in SJFT throws (F3.8, 48.8=0.49, p=0.74). In conclusion, different times of the day did not affect judo specific performance as well as physiological variables in judo athletes.

Validity of using perceived exertion to assess muscle fatigue during resistance exercises.

BackgroundThe rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is correlated with physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of using the Borg CR-10 scale and velocity to predict muscle fatigue assessed by surface electromyography during single joint resistance exercises.MethodsFifteen healthy males underwent different fatigue levels of unilateral elbow flexion (EF) and knee extension (KE), consisting of low, medium, and high volumes at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. The RPEs, spectral fatigue index (SFI), and mean velocity of the experimental exercises were assessed throughout the trials.ResultsSignificant differences in overall RPE (p < 0.001) and average SFI (p < 0.001) were observed between the conditions in both exercises. Significant changes in RPE and SFI (p < 0.001) were observed throughout the EF, whereas a SFI increase (p < 0.001) was only observed at the end point of KE. Multiple regression analyses revealed two significant models (p < 0.001) for the prediction of muscle fatigue during EF (R2 = 0.552) and KE (R2 = 0.377).ConclusionsMuscle fatigue resulted in similar increases in perceptual responses, demonstrating that RPE is useful for assessing fatigue when resistance exercise is performed. However, velocity changes may not reflect muscle fatigue correctly when exercise is no longer performed in an explosive manner. We recommend combining RPE responses with velocity changes to comprehensively assess muscle fatigue during clinical and sports situations.

Basketball-Specific Small-Sided Games Training during Ramadan Intermitting Fasting: Do Changes in Body Composition, Sleep Habits, and Perceived Exertion Affect Technical Performance?

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on technical performance depending on changes in body composition, sleep habits, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty-four professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT; n = 12) or an active control group (CON; n = 12). Both groups completed a four-week SSG training program (three sessions per week). During the first and fourth weeks of the SSGs training, the two groups were evaluated to detect changes in technical performance, dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality index (PSQI) survey outcomes, RPE, heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration [La]. During the fourth week of the RIF period, body composition, dietary intake, sleep latency, sleep duration, and HR significantly decreased only for INT (p < 0.001). However, RPE significantly increased (p < 0.001), and technical performances were negatively affected (p < 0.01). MANCOVA (adjusted for the percentage of change in sleep duration, body mass, and RPE) showed no significant differences in either group. In conclusion, our results showed that the technical performance of professional basketball male players was significantly affected at the end of RIF independently of changes in RPE, sleep habits, and body composition.

Acute Effects of Moderate versus High-Intensity Strength Exercise on Attention and Mood States in Female Physical Education Students.

The presumed benefits of exercise/physical activity on the brain are an important public health issue. However, the experimental approach to understanding the effects of physical activity on the brain, and more particularly on cognitive functions, has only been studied recently. In particular, females remain underrepresented in the research, despite having a specific training/exercise adaptation/response. The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of high- and moderate-intensity strength exercise (3 sets of 8–10 repetitions and 3 sets of 6 repetitions, respectively, with each session lasting approximately 30 min) on attention and mood states in female physical education students. Forty-six female physical education students (Mage = 20.02 ± 1.05 years, MBody Mass Index = 21.07) volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into three groups: a moderate-intensity strength exercise group (MISEG: n = 15), a high-intensity strength exercise group (HISEG: n = 16), and a control group (CG: n = 15). Attention and psychological states were assessed using the d2 test, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire, respectively, before and after each session. The data showed that in the MISEG attention increased, in terms of concentration (p = 0.05). RPE values, fatigue and confusion were higher for the HISEG than the CG (p < 0.05) and the MISEG (p < 0.05). Vigour was higher for the MISEG than other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, moderate-intensity resistance exercise is an appropriate method to improve attention in female participants. The elevated cognitive performance may be due to the changes in RPE and mood states (fatigue, vigour and confusion subscales).

Exercise hyperthermia induces greater changes in gastrointestinal permeability than equivalent passive hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia and exertional heat illness increase gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, although whether the latter is only via hyperthermia is unclear. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether different changes in GI permeability, characterized by an increased plasma lactulose:rhamnose concentration ratio ([L:R]), occurred in exercise hyperthermia in comparison to equivalent passive hyperthermia. Six healthy adult male participants (age 25 ± 5 years, mass 77.0 ± 6.7 kg, height 181 ± 6 cm, peak oxygen uptake [V·O2peak] 48 ± 8 ml.kg−1.min−1) underwent exercise under hot conditions (Ex‐Heat) and passive heating during hot water immersion (HWI). Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (TCORE), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and whole‐body sweat loss (WBSL) were recorded throughout the trials. The L:R ratio, peak HR, change in HR, and change in RPE were higher in Ex‐Heat than HWI, despite no differences in trial duration, peak core temperature or WBSL. L:R was strongly correlated (p < 0.05) with HR peak (r = 0.626) and change in HR (r = 0.615) but no other variable. The greater L:R in Ex‐Heat, despite equal TCORE responses to HWI, indicates that increased cardiovascular strain occurred during exercise, and exacerbates hyperthermia‐induced GI permeability at the same absolute temperature.

Post-exercise hot water immersion elicites heat acclimation responses in endurance and recreational athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of heat acclimation (HA) via hot water immersion protocols and their effect on time trial (TT) performance, heart rate (HRE, HRM and HRTT), rectal temperature (Tre), Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), psychological stress index (PhSI), thermal comfort (Tcomf), thermal sensation (Tsen) and maximum oxygen uptake (Vo2max). Methods Pubmed, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science databases were used alongside the grey matter sites Google Scholar and Researchgate. The databases were then searched for randomised control trials and mixed-method design studies. Two RTCs, six repeated measure design studies and one randomised crossover design study were included after screening a total of 50 titles and 28 full-text articles. Sample sizes range from 1 - 13 with all participants having not participated in any form of heat training 6 months before their inclusion in the study. Results The mean difference (MD) for Heart rate (HR) was -9.1125 BPM (95% CI p = 0.026) and was considered to be statistically significant. The MD for Rectal temperature (Tre) effect size was -0.3814 Tre (°C) (95% CI; p = 0.05). The MD for sweat rate was 0.085; (96% CI; p = 0.0179) The changes in RPE, PhSI, Tcomf and Tsen were too small to be considered statistically significant. There was no significant difference between pre and post HA for Vo2max and PV. This meta-analysis implies that HA via HWI may improve tolerance to discomfort during heat exposure and thus subsequently improve physical performance during exercise in hot conditions. Conclusion The primary finding of this meta-analysis is that athletic performance is improved with post-exercise hot water immersion heat acclimation training. HWI HA protocols should focus on the following guidelines: 40-50 minutes of submaximal exercise (&gt;65% of Vo2max) should be followed directly (within 10 minutes) by 40 minutes of hot water immersion at 40°C with the individual immersed up to their neck. The HA protocol should last between 6-9 days with a single bout of HWI every day for this period.

Effect of repeated locomotor training on ventilatory measures, perceived exertion and walking endurance in persons with motor incomplete spinal cord injury.

Pre-Post, Repeated Measures. To determine if a warm-up bout of exercise could elicit a phasic ventilatory response to constant work rate (CWR) exercise in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) during unsupported CWR treadmill walking. Describe the changes in ventilatory kinetics, ventilatory variability and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) before and after 12 and 24 weeks of overground locomotor training (OLT). Investigate the relationship among minute ventilation (VE) variability, RPE, and walking endurance. Laboratory. A 6-min CWR was used as a warm-up preceding a CWR, at the same walking speed, until volitional fatigue or 30 min. Breath-by-breath ventilatory data were examined during the second CWR using a mono-exponential model. VE variability was calculated as the difference between the observed and predicted values. Data were time-matched before and after 12 and 24 weeks of OLT. A Pearson's correlation was used for VE variability, RPE, and walking endurance. A warm-up CWR did elicit a phasic ventilatory response. OLT resulted in faster ventilatory kinetics. Ventilatory variability reduced after 12 weeks of OLT but returned to pre-OLT values after 24 weeks of training. The change in VE variability was correlated with the change in RPE throughout the study. 12 and 24 weeks of OLT resulted in significant improvements in treadmill walking time. SCI patients can achieve a phasic ventilatory response to walking if the exercise bout is preceded by a warm-up. OLT normalizes the ventilatory kinetics and improves walking endurance. The change in VE variability is correlated to RPE.

Discomfort And Ratings Of Perceived Exertion To Practical Vs. Traditional Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise

Elastic knee wraps are used to produce blood flow restriction (BFR) but it is unclear how discomfort and perceived exertion may compare to more traditional ways of producing BFR such as nylon cuffs where the pressure is known. PURPOSE: To investigate how elastic knee wraps (practical) compare in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort after exercising to failure when compared to nylon cuffs (traditional) or low and high loads without BFR. METHODS: Nine participants (male=7, female=2) completed this study. The average age and body mass index were 22 (4) years and 25.4 (1.5) kg/m2. Each participant completed six conditions, in a randomized order, of unilateral knee extension exercise to failure for four sets. Two conditions (30% one-repetition maximum, 1-RM) included elastic knee wraps that were either stretched by two inches from resting length (Practical-Low) or they were stretched to a new length that was 85% of the thigh circumference (Practical-High). Two more conditions (30%-1RM) used nylon cuffs that were inflated to either 80% (BFR-High) or 40% (BFR-Low) of arterial occlusion pressure. The last two conditions had no restriction stimulus and were 30% 1-RM (LL) or 70% 1-RM (HL). Discomfort (0-10) and RPE (6-20) were measured before exercise and at the end of the four sets. The change scores from before exercise to the end of set 4 were used for analysis. Friedman’s test and Conover’s post hoc test were used to determine if there was a difference in discomfort and RPE between conditions. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Practical-High had larger changes in discomfort compared to HL (8 vs 6, p=0.007) and LL (8 vs 6, p=0.018). Practical-Low had a smaller change in discomfort compared to BFR-High (7 vs. 9, p=0.028) but it was not different from BFR-Low (7 vs. 7, p=0.450). No differences were found between Practical-High vs. BFR-High (8 vs. 9, p=0.211) or Practical-High vs. BFR-Low (8 vs 7, p=0.316). Practical-Low had smaller changes in RPE compared to BFR-High (12 vs 11, p=0.024) but there was no difference in RPE between Practical-High and the other conditions (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When exercising to failure, both discomfort and RPE are impacted by the pressure used and elastic knee wraps can produce changes in discomfort and RPE levels that are comparable to high pressure BFR.

Affect and exertion during incremental physical exercise: Examining changes using automated facial action analysis and experiential self-report.

Recent research indicates that affective responses during exercise are an important determinant of future exercise and physical activity. Thus far these responses have been measured with standardized self-report scales, but this study used biometric software for automated facial action analysis to analyze the changes that occur during physical exercise. A sample of 132 young, healthy individuals performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer. During that test the participants' faces were video-recorded and the changes were algorithmically analyzed at frame rate (30 fps). Perceived exertion and affective valence were measured every two minutes with established psychometric scales. Taking into account anticipated inter-individual variability, multilevel regression analysis was used to model how affective valence and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) covaried with movement in 20 facial action areas. We found the expected quadratic decline in self-reported affective valence (more negative) as exercise intensity increased. Repeated measures correlation showed that the facial action mouth open was linked to changes in (highly intercorrelated) affective valence and RPE. Multilevel trend analyses were calculated to investigate whether facial actions were typically linked to either affective valence or RPE. These analyses showed that mouth open and jaw drop predicted RPE, whereas (additional) nose wrinkle was indicative for the decline in affective valence. Our results contribute to the view that negative affect, escalating with increasing exercise intensity, may be the body's essential warning signal that physiological overload is imminent. We conclude that automated facial action analysis provides new options for researchers investigating feelings during exercise. In addition, our findings offer physical educators and coaches a new way of monitoring the affective state of exercisers, without interrupting and asking them.