Rating Of Perceived Exertion Scale Research Articles

Neural and Cardio-Respiratory Responses During Maximal Self-Paced and Controlled-Intensity Protocols at Similar Perceived Exertion Levels: A Pilot Study

Self-paced exercise protocols have gained attention for their potential to optimize performance and manage fatigue by allowing individuals to regulate their efforts based on perceived exertion. This pilot study aimed to investigate the neural and physiological responses during a self-paced V˙O2max (SPV) and incremental exercise tests (IET). Six trained male cyclists (mean age 39.2 ± 13.3 years; V˙O2max 54.3 ± 8.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed both tests while recording their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The IET protocol involved increasing the power every 3 min relative to body weight, while the SPV allowed participants to self-regulate the intensity using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Gas exchange, EEG, heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and power output were continuously monitored. Statistical analyses included a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to assess differences in alpha and beta power spectral densities (PSDs) and the EEG/V˙O2 ratio. Our results showed that during the SPV test, the beta PSD initially increased but stabilized at around 80% of the test duration, suggesting effective management of effort without further neural strain. In contrast, the IET showed a continuous increase in beta activity, indicating greater neural demand and potentially leading to an earlier onset of fatigue. Additionally, participants maintained similar cardiorespiratory parameters (V˙O2, HR, SV, respiratory frequency, etc.) across both protocols, reinforcing the reliability of the RPE scale in guiding exercise intensity. These findings suggest that SPV better optimizes neural efficiency and delays fatigue compared to fixed protocols and that individuals can accurately control exercise intensity based on perceived exertion. Despite the small sample size, the results provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of self-paced exercise for improving adherence to exercise programs and optimizing performance across different populations.

Effect of Properly Describing the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale on Heart Rate Response

Introduction: The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale is often used to guide intensity during exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if a thorough explanation of the scale is necessary to achieve optimal heart rate during indoor group cycling. Methods: The study consisted of a familiarization visit and two 60-minute instructor-led group cycling classes. The cycling sessions were identical in procedure; the only difference was that during one session, there was no explanation of the RPE scale (RPE-NE), and in the other, it was fully described in detail (RPE-E). Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored. Maximal and average HR were calculated for each stage of the class. Repeated measures ANOVAs (condition x stage) were used to compare the mean HR, HRmax and %HRmax between conditions. Paired-samples t-tests were used to compare session RPE between conditions. Results: There were no differences between conditions for average HR (p=.436), HRmax (p=.086), or %HRmax (p=.084). There was also no difference between conditions in session RPE (RPE-NE: 15.7±1.4; RPE-E: 16.0±1.3; p=.432) Conclusions: A detailed explanation of the RPE scale before a group cycling class elicits a HR response similar to simply having a poster of the RPE scale posted and referenced.

Evaluating the effectiveness of quantitative pupillometry in assessing dynamic aerobic training intensity

Sports injuries often arise from improper scheduling of exercise loads, and timely assessment of these loads is essential for minimizing injury risk. This article investigates the validity of using changes in pupillary light reflex (PLR) during dynamic aerobic training as a novel approach to evaluating exercise load. Dynamic aerobic training was conducted on a power bicycle for 15 min. With a 3-minute interval as the demarcation line, PLR measurement was performed before training and heart rate was recorded throughout the process. The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale invented by Borg was used for scoring before training and after training. The normal distribution of data was confirmed through the Shapiro-Wilk test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to quantify the correlation between variables. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) analysis were used to determine the indicators of exercise load. The optimal threshold of the indicators was calculated through the Youden index to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. Thirty male second-tier athletes with a mean age of 23.66 ± 2.21 years, a mean height of 175.3 ± 6.5 cm, and a mean weight of 68.99 ± 10.35 kg participated in this study. Based on the RPE scale results, it was confirmed that the 15-minute dynamic aerobic exercise successfully elicited varying levels of perceived exertion among the athletes. The findings of this study indicate significant changes in PLR and heart rate (HR) with increasing exercise duration and external load. There were strong correlations between RPE and maximum constriction velocity (MCV) (|r| = 0.8309, p < 0.001, negative correlation), maximum diameter (INIT) (r = 0.7641, p < 0.001, positive correlation), time to reach 75% recovery (T75) (|r| = 0.7289, p < 0.001, negative correlation), and HR (r = 0.8170, p < 0.001, positive correlation). Additionally, the results suggest that MCV is the most significant potential indicator for detecting internal load, exhibiting high specificity and sensitivity (AUC = 0.8509, p < 0.001). Further analysis using the Youden index identified 5.07 mm/s as the optimal cutoff value for MCV, indicating that when MCV ≤ 5.07 mm/s, the athletes’ internal load has reached an “Intense” state. PLR may be a potential indicator for assessing internal load Further investigation could involve developing a non-invasive exercise load detection system based on pupillary variable indicators, providing a valuable new approach for accurately measuring exercise load.

КОНДИЦІЙНЕ ТРЕНУВАННЯ КІБЕРСПОРТСМЕНІВ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МОБІЛЬНИХ ДОДАТКІВ

The issue of insufficient physical activity among computer game players remains relevant. This study proposes a solution based on the comprehensive use of gaming-oriented mobile applications for the conditioning training of esports athletes. A sequential pedagogical experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of esports athletes applying an aerobic-focused conditioning training program (slow running). The program’s unique feature is its implementation in a remote format using mobile applications for planning, execution, control, and performance evaluation. It is based on an original concept of implementing running training in the form of a mobile running application (the so-called “exergame”) with a game-like nature (“Zombies, Run!”). The program was designed for a six-week implementation. Its effectiveness was determined by evaluating the dynamics of indicators: 1600 m run time; calculated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max); and heart rate (HR). Subjective attitudes towards the program’s physical loads were assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and the Physical Activity Satisfaction Needs scale. It was found that esports athletes significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved their 1600 m run time, VO2 max, and HR indicators under the influence of the slow running program. Along with the volume and intensity increase of the running load, a decrease in RPE scale indicators was observed. The obtained data confirmed the advantages of the comprehensive use of mobile applications for normalizing the motor activity of esports athletes in the form of conditioning training. Both the remote format of planning and accounting and the game format of activities contributed to increasing the engagement of esports athletes in physical activity. The effectiveness of the slow running training program for esports athletes using mobile applications was established in terms of increasing physical activity (regular, organized physical activity), improving physical fitness (duration and volume of slow running), enhancing physical condition (VO2 max, HR), and interest in physical activity (adherence).

Rating of perceived exertion as a tool for managing exercise intensity during pregnancy: a scoping review

ObjectiveDuring pregnancy, international guidelines recommend ≥150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, with an intensity perceived as fairly light to somewhat hard on the Borg Rating of Perceived...

Impact of Massage Gun on Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in Soccer Players

This study aims to determine the effect of using massage gun media on RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion) in soccer players. The method used is an experimental approach with a one-group pretest-posttest model design. The research instrument used is RPE. The population of this study consisted of 30 athletes from Persib Bandung Academy who were around sixteen years old and attended intensive training four times a week. Using a purposive sampling approach, 18 athletes were selected as research subjects. To determine the RPE scale, subjects underwent high-intensity training using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. After the exercise, a 15-minute massage was performed using a massage gun, and then RPE was measured again. The results of data analysis showed that the massage method using a massage gun had a significant impact on reducing RPE, with a value of p=0.000. This indicates that the use of massage guns can significantly reduce the fatigue level of athletes after intensive training. In conclusion, a massage gun effectively reduces fatigue as measured by RPE. Nevertheless, improving the quality of research is still needed by increasing the number of participants and developing a more structured training program both in time and day.

The use of Loss Velocity and the Rate of Perceived Exertion to Assess Effort Intensity During Sets of Bench Press Exercise Performed until Exhaustion

The objective of the present study was to verify the agreement and correlation between effort intensity determined from the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and loss velocity in sets performed to exhaustion in the bench press exercise at a self-selected velocity. Thirty-five men and women practitioners of resistance training (33.61±8.16 years; 172.75±11.04 cm of stature; 76.79±15.57 kg of body mass) were evaluated. Participants were familiarized and then performed two sets of bench press performed until exhaustion at a self-selected velocity at 70% and 85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Loss velocity was measured by a linear position transducer (Ergonauta® encoder) applied to velocity-based training. A 3-point RPE scale was used to evaluate the perceived exertion of the individuals. The analysis of agreement (Kappa test) and correlation (Spearman test) were applied (p&lt;0.05). The results of the study indicated the existence of a moderate degree of agreement (κ = 0.499; κ = 0.509 for 70% and 85% of 1RM, respectively), but a strong correlation (ρ = 0.720; ρ = 0.753 for 70% and 85% of 1RM, respectively) between the effort intensity determined by the Ergonauta and the RPE, at both intensities analyzed (70% and 85% of 1RM). Despite the lack of perfect agreement between methods, loss velocity and RPE seem to demonstrate strong consistency, allowing both to be used for controlling intensity in resistance training. The results of this study should be interpreted in light of individual characteristics, type of exercise, and training objectives.

Feasibility, Safety, and Effects of an Aerobic Training Program with Blood Flow Restriction on Functional Capacity, and Symptomatology in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study.

Evidence suggests that aerobic training with blood flow restriction is beneficial for treating fibromyalgia. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and effects of an aerobic training program with blood flow restriction for women with fibromyalgia. Thirty-seven women with fibromyalgia were included, and thirteen with an average age of 59 ± 3, a BMI of 26 ± 3, and who were polymedicated started the intervention period. The intervention group performed aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction using occlusive bands placed in the upper part of the rectus femoris, with a total duration of 14 min of restriction divided into two periods of 7 min with a rest period of 3 min and a total session duration of 17 min. Pressure intensity was measured using the visual pain scale (VAS), scoring 7 out of 10 (n = 7). The non-intervention group performed aerobic exercise without restriction of blood flow for the same periods, rest periods, and total duration of the session (n = 6). The intervention included 2 weekly sessions with 72 h between aerobic walking for 9 weeks. Walking was measured individually using the rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) with an intensity between 6 and 7 out of 10. Visual and verbal support for the VAS and RPE scale was always provided throughout the sessions supervised by the investigator. Functional capacity was assessed using tests (six-minute walk test, incremental shuttle walk test, knee extension and handgrip test by dynamometer, 30 s chair stand test, and timed up-and-go test). Symptomatology was assessed using questionnaires (Widespread Pain Index, Symptom Severity Score, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), and blood samples were collected. There were no adverse effects, and only one participant in the intervention group withdrew. Between-group and intragroup differences showed that the intervention group obtained improvements in the functional tests; CST p = 0.005; 6MWT p = 0.011; Handgrip p = 0.002; TUGT p = 0.002 with reduced impact of the disease according to the questionnaires; FIQ Stiffness p = 0.027 compared with the nonintervention group. Biochemical results remained within normal ranges in both groups. Blood flow-restricted aerobic training may be feasible, safe, and more effective than unrestricted aerobic training as a physical exercise prescription tool to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, balance, and stiffness in women with fibromyalgia.

Predicting one repetition maximum in novice males: An RPE-based bench press model

This study aimed to estimate one repetition maximum (1RM) of healthy males based on the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in bench press movement and to provide a particular predictive equation. Seventy healthy males (Age: 24.93 ± 0.64 years; BMI: 25.04 ± 0.35 kg/m2) with no previous experience of resistance training performed 1RM of bench press with closed eyes and then chose a number to determine the intensity by RPE scale of 1–10 (CR1-10 scale). The intensity of this repetition was randomly selected based on the percentages of 1RM: 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% and 95%. A special prediction equation was provided based on a mathematical model using the weight lifted, RPE, and RPE coefficient. Moreover, the standardized testing protocol of 1RM (STP) and Brzycki equation protocol (BEP) were used to verify the validity of the RPE equation. Predictive equations were produced and cross-validated using repeated k-fold cross-validation by stepwise multiple linear regression. BEP and STP did not differ significantly from RPE-equation in predicting 1RM (p > 0.05). Based on the BEP and STP, a 1RM attempt for inexperienced males resulted in 74.20 ± 2.24 kg and 77.47 ± 2.17, respectively, while the RPE equation produced 77.86 ± 2.58 kg. There were significant results for linear regression (p = 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficients between BEP and STP with predicted 1RM were 0.99. The new method of 1RM based on RPE performed well in 1RM performance in inexperienced males, and it appeared safe, accurate, and time-effective.

Validity of Rating of Perceived Exertion Scales in Relation to Movement Velocity and Exercise Intensity During Resistance-Exercise: A Systematic Review.

Movement velocity (MV) may be a valid tool to evaluate and control the load in resistance training (RT). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) also enables practical load management. The relationship between RPE and MV may be used to monitor RT intensity. To evaluate the validity and practicality of RPE scales related to MV and training intensity in resistance exercise. We hypothesize a positive correlation among RPE, MV, and load intensity in RT. Therefore, RPE may serve as a supplementary indicator in monitoring RT load. Boolean algorithms were used to search several databases (SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar). Studies published from 2009 to 2023 included clinical trials (randomized or not) in healthy female and male subjects that analyzed the relationship between different RPE scales and MV in basic RT exercises. Systematic review. Level 3. A total of 18 studies were selected using different RPE scales with reported MV training loads. Participants included RT and untrained male and female subjects (15-31 years old). Two RPE scales (OMNI-RES and repetitions in reserve) were used. The selected studies showed moderate positive correlations among these RPE scales, MV, and training load (eg, percentage of 1-repetition maximum [%1-RM]). In addition, equations have been developed to estimate %1-RM and MV loss based on the OMNI-RES scale. Studies show that RPE scales and MV constitute a valid, economic, and practical tool for assessing RT load progression and complementing other training monitoring variables. Exercise professionals should consider familiarizing participants with RPE scales and factors that might influence the perception of exertion (eg, level of training, motivation, and environmental conditions).

#596 The Borg Scale—efficient and safe for exercise prescription in self-administered balance and strength exercise in patients with CKD

Abstract Background and Aims With the continued rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is a critical need for sustainable, home-based exercise interventions. While supervised, centre-based exercise improves physical performance in CKD patients, unsupervised, self-administered exercise poses challenges in ensuring adherence, safety, and efficacy. This study investigates the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, a subjective measure of exertion, as a method for prescribing and monitoring the intensity of balance and strength exercise in non-dialysis dependent CKD patients. The aims of this study were: Method This sub study of the RENEXC-trial included 148 patients with CKD stages 3-5, with a mean age of 66 ± 14 years and mean measured GFR of 22 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients were prescribed 90 minutes/week of balance or strength exercise at a Borg RPE of 13-17 (corresponding to an exercise intensity of somewhat hard to very hard), along with 60 minutes/week of endurance exercise. Exercise programs were individually prescribed by a physiotherapist according to randomization and each patient's baseline performance and were performed at home or in a gym according to the patient's preference. Duration and RPE of the performed exercise were reported in an exercise diary. Progress was monitored by the physiotherapist through phone contact, every week for the first three months of the study and every other week for the rest of the study year. The continuous follow up provided motivation and enabled adjustments of the exercise program to maintain the goal RPE, adapt intensity and the weekly duration of exercise. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT), the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) and isometric quadriceps strength (IQS). Balance and strength measures were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of exercise. Previous publications of the RENEXC-trial showed no difference between patients who performed balance exercise and patients who performed strength exercise; therefore, this sub-study analysed all included patients as one group. Results Of 148 participants, 112 completed the study. At 12 months, 79% reported performed exercise, with 86% of these patients adhering to the prescribed intensity. The median (25th-75th percentile) exercise intensity was a RPE of 14 (13-15) on the Borg scale, and the median (min-max) exercise duration was 48 (0-241) minutes/week. Only 18% of the patients reached the 90-minute/week target. No exercise-related incidents were reported. Significant improvements were noted in BBS (p = 0.0464), FRT (p = 0.009), 30STS (p = 0.047), and IQS (right/left p = 0.022 / p = 0.049). Conclusion The Borg RPE scale is an effective and safe method for prescribing and monitoring self-administered balance and strength exercise in patients with CKD. Using the Borg scale for prescribing and monitoring exercise intensity during balance and strength exercise resulted in a good level of adherence to the 12-months exercise program and the prescribed exercise intensity. As no exercise related incidents were reported, we conclude that the self-administered exercise was safe to perform. Significant improvements in balance and strength were observed with a moderate to high exercise intensity prescription within a wide range of performed weekly duration of exercise, suggesting the Borg scale's value in exercise prescription in both well- and deconditioned patients with CKD. These findings show that the integration of the Borg scale into routine exercise prescription in people with CKD can promote patient autonomy and efficient resource utilization in healthcare.

The relationship between prescribed ratings of perceived exertion and force production in repeated isometric contractions

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are frequently used to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity. However, studies examining the shape and robustness of how feelings of effort map onto objective outputs are limited and report inconsistent results. To address this, we investigated whether (1) producing isometric forces according to RPE levels reliably leads to differences in force output, (2) if feelings of effort map linearly or non-linearly onto force output, and (3) if this mapping is robust when visual feedback and social facilitation are present. In a counterbalanced repeated measures design, N = 26 participants performed isometric handgrip contractions prescribed by ten levels of the Borg CR-10 scale. They did so either with or without the availability of concurrent visual feedback regarding their force production, and in the presence or absence of another person performing the same task simultaneously. We found that subjects reliably produced different force outputs that corresponded to each RPE level. Furthermore, concurrent visual feedback led to a linearization of force output, while in the absence of feedback, the produced forces could also be described by quadratic and cubic functions. Exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that participants perceived moderate RPE levels to be more challenging to produce. By shedding light on the dynamic nature of the mapping between RPE and objective performance, our findings provide helpful insights regarding the utility of RPE scales.

ASSESSMENT OF A SELF-PACED PROTOCOL FOR TESTING AEROBIC CAPACITY IN SCI INDIVIDUALS

https://youtu.be/u89x4ivgoIc BACKGROUND Underwater treadmill (UT) exercise is a recent and sparsely tested modality that may be beneficial for those with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Currently, VO2max and HRmax have not been assessed during UT exercise among those with iSCI. This study's purpose was to determine if a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) based max exertion protocol used with a motorized UT can elicit criterion-based max physiological responses among those with and without iSCI. METHODS Healthy adult males with iSCI (n=4; Age=49.8 +/- 3.9 yrs) and without iSCI (n=4; Age=50.0 +/- 7.2 yrs) participated. Borg OMNI RPE scale was used by participants to estimate intensity of exercise. Each participant reported to the lab on two occasions. On visit one, they completed informed consent papers and familiarization with the RPE scale and UT exercise. On visit two, they completed a speed-based, self-regulated incremental exercise test on the UT. Prior to all testing, the UT was filled and set to 92°F. Upon arrival, HR monitor and mask for gas collection were donned. Water height was modified to the xiphoid process. The test consisted of rest, warm-up, incremental exercise, and active recovery phases. For warm-up, treadmill speed was adjusted to 0.5 mph for 3 minutes. After walking 3 minutes, speed was increased to 0.75 mph for another 3 minutes. The incremental exercise phase consisted of four stages, 3 minutes in duration, totaling 12 minutes. For each stage, participants self-selected a speed perceived to correspond to RPE levels: 3, 5, 7, and 10. Treadmill speed was hidden from participants. At each stage's start, speed was only adjusted during the first minute until reaching the proper RPE. During the final stage, treadmill speed could be changed freely until volitional exhaustion. The test ended when volitional exhaustion was reached, at which point the speed was lowered for an active recovery. An independent samples t-test was used to compare time (minutes) until volitional exhaustion. Separate independent samples t-tests were used to compare the highest achieved HR and VO2 values. RESULTS All iSCI participants achieved a VO2peak. Only 1 participant without iSCI achieved a VO2max. Mean VO2 was significantly lower, t(6)=3.81, p=.027, for those with iSCI (13.88 +/- 10.57 mL/kg/min) than those without iSCI (34.50 +/- 2.38 mL/kg/min). CONCLUSION This study shows that the UT is a safe modality for graded exercise testing for those with and without iSCI. An RPE-regulated protocol may not be effective for eliciting criterion-based maximal aerobic results with the UT, but was well tolerated by those with iSCI. Those with iSCI may have lacked lower limb strength to achieve max workloads. Being able to use the UT to test peak aerobic fitness allows clinicians to track improvements in economy following UT training. More research of this modality is encouraged with larger samples to further evaluate potential testing protocols among this population.

Examining the alignment between subjective effort and objective force production.

Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) are frequently used to prescribe exercise intensity. A central assumption of using RPE scales is that the subjective perception of effort maps onto objective performance in a consistent way. However, the degree and shape of how RPE aligns with objective performance is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the degree and shape of alignment, as well as how time (i.e., how frequently an effort needs to be performed) and mental effort (i.e., if one has to invest mental effort and physical effort) correspond with the alignment. In a randomized within-subjects experiment, we used a grip-to-scale method that asked participants (N = 43) to repeatedly squeeze a handgrip dynamometer with four to-be-produced RPE target levels relative to their subjective maximum strength (representing 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%). We found that the RPE-force alignment was not the same across RPE-levels: Whereas subjective differences from 20-40% and 40-60% were met by comparable differences in produced force, a substantially larger difference was observed for the 60-80% interval. Interestingly, exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that this was mirrored by an increase in variance at the higher effort levels. In addition, at constant RPE-levels, participants produced less force over time, and this effect was more pronounced at lower RPE target levels. Lastly, anticipating mental effort after the physical effort slightly altered the alignment as a function of the to-be-produced RPE-level and experimental duration. Taken together, our results indicate that the mapping of perceived effort on objective performance is intricate, and several factors affect the degree and shape of how RPE and performance align. Understanding the dynamic adjustment of RPE-performance alignment across different RPE levels is particularly relevant for contexts that use RPE as a tool for training load prescription.

Differential ratings of perceived exertion to quantify weekly and sessional internal load in basketball: an exploratory team-based case series

Although differential rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales have been supported in quantifying internal load across various sports, their application in basketball remains to be comprehensively investigated. Consequently, we aimed to: (1) quantify and compare session- and weekly-RPE loads using global and differential RPE scales; and (2) compare session-RPE load between individual sessions across the week using each scale in basketball players. Ten semiprofessional, male players reported RPE using global and differential (respiratory and muscular) scales following each training session and game during the in-season. RPE was multiplied by session duration to derive session-RPE load, which were summed to determine weekly-RPE load. Weekly-RPE load was higher using global (P = 0.003, η2 = 0.343, large) and muscular (P = 0.004, η2 = 0.209, large) scales than the respiratory scale. Likewise, session-RPE load was higher using global (P = 0.049, η2 = 0.314, large) and muscular (P = 0.054, η2 = 0.298, large) scales than the respiratory scale only in games, with differences between scales during other sessions being trivial-to-medium (P &gt;0.05). Across all scales, higher session-RPE loads were apparent in the second training session than all other sessions in the week (P &lt;0.05, η2 = 0.105– 0.561, medium-to-large), and during games than the first training session (P &lt;0.001, η2 = 0.202–0.223, large). While session-to-session load changes were similarly detected across scales, the greater weekly and game muscular loads than respiratory loads support the potential for differential RPE scales to provide more detailed internal load data in basketball settings.

Enhancing physiological recovery and subsequent exercise performance in the heat using a phase-change material cooling blanket

This study aimed to assess the effect of a phase-change material (PCM) cooling blanket for cooling between exercise bouts on recovery of physiological parameters and subsequent exercise performance in the heat. Eighteen male volunteers were recruited to participate in human trials involving two exhaustive treadmill running bouts (Bout1 for 3 km and Bout2 for 1.5 km) in a climate chamber (temperature = 33 °C; relative humidity = 40%). Participants were randomly subjected to one of two cooling conditions for a 10-min period between exercise bouts: CON: natural cooling; 10-min PCM: with a PCM cooling blanket for 10 min. Several physiological parameters including mean skin temperature (Tskin), oral temperature (Toral), core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), average running speed and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale score were analyzed. The results showed that compared to the CON group, participants in the 10-min PCM group had a significant lower Tskin, Tcore, HR and RR at post-cooling, as well as greater reductions in mean skin temperature (ΔTskin) and core temperature (ΔTcore) from post-Bout1 to post-cooling. Additionally, the 10-min PCM group exhibited significantly lower peak Tcore, peak HR and RPE scale score during Bout2, while the average running speed during Bout2 was significantly higher. The present study suggests that cooling with a PCM cooling blanket can enhance physiological recovery and subsequent exercise performance in the heat.

Is rating of perceived exertion a valid method for monitoring exergaming intensity in type-1 diabetics? A cross-sectional randomized trial

AimsThe rating of perceived exertion (RPE) provides correlations with physiological measurements of exercise intensity, including metabolic equivalent (MET), oxygen consumption (V˙O2), and heart rate (HR), in real (RS) and virtual (VS) sessions. To use RPE in patients with pathology, we aimed to examine the concurrent validity of RPE in type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients while exergaming. MethodsTen T1DM patients performed two 30-min crossover sessions of moderate-intensity exercise (washout 72-196 h). The RS group performed running, and the VS group played the Kinect Adventures! video game. METs were measured by a direct gas analyzer during the sessions, and RPE was measured on the 6 - 20 point Borg scale after the sessions. ResultsRS and VS showed similar RPE (13.2 ± 2.7 vs. 14.2 ± 2.4) and MET (4.6 ± 1.1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8) values (p > 0.05). RPE vs. MET correlation-coefficients were large in RS (r = 0.64; R2 = 41; p = 0.04) and were moderate in VS (r = 0.42; R2 = 18; p = 0.22). Additionally, RS secondary values (V˙O2 and HR vs. RPE) showed high coefficients (V˙O2-r = 0.62; average HRr = 0.62; maximal HRr = 0.50, p < 0.05). VS secondary values, on the other hand, showed low-moderate coefficients (V˙O2-r = 0.42; average HRr = 0.23; maximal HRr = 0.21, p > 0.05). ConclusionThe current validation showed that RPE may not be a valid and strong method for T1DM patients while exergaming. Healthcare professionals should cautiously use the 6 – 20 point RPE scale in pathological patients, specifically in T1DM while exergaming.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity cycling exercise immediately after visual learning enhances delayed recognition memory performance

A single bout of acute aerobic exercise has been shown to improve long-term memory, though it is unclear if exercise before learning or after learning is optimal for memory enhancement. Although some research has demonstrated that exercise before learning is ideal, investigations have consistently shown that acute arousal post-learning is a powerful memory enhancer. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of self-perceived hard cycling before or after learning on recognition memory for emotional and neutral images, and examine the relationship between central noradrenergic activity and memory performance. Seventy-two males and females (18–35 years of age) participated in this between-subjects study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: exercise before learning, exercise after learning, and control. Participants in the exercise groups engaged in 20 min of cycling at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 15 (“hard”) on the Borg RPE scale before or after viewing a series of 90 pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral images (30 each). Participants in the control group engaged in no exercise before or after image viewing. At several time points throughout the experiment, saliva was collected to measure salivary alpha amylase (sAA), a marker of central noradrenergic activity. One-week later, recognition memory was assessed where participants viewed 180 images (90 new) and had to identify which images were previously viewed. Participants in the exercise after learning group had significantly higher recognition memory compared to the control group, but this was not seen with exercise before learning. sAA was not correlated with memory in any group, though it did increase during exercise. These results demonstrate that acute self-perceived hard cycling post-learning, but not pre-learning, improves recognition memory, though this was unrelated to the exercise-induced increase in central noradrenergic activity as measured in saliva.

Validity of Weekly and Monthly Perceived Exertion in Runners.

The development of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) enables the easy assessment of runners' training strain as well as training load (TL). However, the long-term and retrospective validity of TL assessment using RPE scales still needs further investigation. Therefore, this study examined the validity of weekly and monthly ratings of perceived exertion (W-RPE, M-RPE) in assessing TL in runners. Healthy adult runners (n=53) rated perceived exertion using the modified category-ratio 10 (CR-10) scale for each week of a four-week period, as well as for the month, considering the four-week period. CR-10 for the week and the month were multiplied by the total training time of the week and month, respectively, to assess the W-RPE and M-RPE. Training impulse (TRIMP) was used as the criterion measure. The results indicated that the W-RPE and M-RPE may be used for monitoring TL during prolonged periods, presenting a very large correlations with the criterion measure.

Clinical studies on the electric automatic massage therapy for recovery of acute sports fatigue.

Acute sports fatigue impairs athletes' performance and causes other health issues; therefore, an effective method of relieving acute sports fatigue is being researched. The present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of electric auto-massage therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated (PNF) stretching method on the recovery of acute exercise fatigue using the heart rate variability-based multi-physiological index and RPE scale, and to explore the underlying principle and mechanism. Sixty volunteers were divided into the stretching group, massage group and control group (20 subjects each) using the complete randomization method. The massage group chose the kneading, pressing, tapping and patting techniques using the intelligent massage chair to intervene on the volunteers, the stretching group chose the PNF stretching method to intervene on the volunteers, while the control group did not adopt any of these techniques. The Rating Of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score, heart rate (HR), grip strength, skin electrical activity, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the three groups were recorded before and after the intervention. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the values of heart rate variability (HRV) in the three groups (P> 0.05), while after the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between the values of heart rate variability - low frequency/high frequency (HRV (LF/HF)) and HRV (HF) in the three groups as: HRV (HF): ηH2= 0.10; P= 0.022; HRV (LF/HF): ηH2= 0.44; P= 0.001. The results indicated that the different intervention methods presented substantial effects on the values of HRV (HF) and HRV (LF/HF) in the volunteers. The HRV (HF) values of massage group, stretching group and control group were compared, and the difference between the massage group and control group was statistically significant (P= 0.019). Further, the HRV (HF) values of massage group rose more significantly than control group after the intervention, and the difference between HRV (HF) values of massage group and stretching group was not statistically significant. When comparing the HRV (LF/HF) values of massage group, stretching group and control group, the differences between the massage group and stretching group and control group were statistically significant (P= 0.001, P< 0.05), and it was observed that the HRV (LF/HF) values of massage group decreased more significantly than those of stretching group and control group after the intervention. The difference in HRV (LF) values between the three groups after the intervention was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). 1. It was observed that the electric automatic massage therapy played a vital role in the rapid relief of exercise fatigue by soothing and regulating the human phototropic system, reducing vagal tone, and accelerating the excretion of metabolites; while PNF stretching relieved the exercise fatigue by providing physical and verbal communication to transfer the perception of fatigue, and by promoting the excretion of metabolites through muscle isometric contraction. 2. The effect of electric auto-massage therapy was marginally stronger than the commonly used PNF stretching exercise method.