Rating Of Perceived Exertion Scores Research Articles

Improvement of Sprint Performance in Wheelchair Sportsmen With Caffeine Supplementation.

Caffeine can be beneficial during endurance and repeated-sprint exercise in able-bodied individuals performing leg or whole-body exercise. However, little evidence exists regarding its effects during upper-body exercise. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine on sprint (SPR) and 4-min maximal-push (PUSH) performance in wheelchair sportsmen. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 12 male wheelchair rugby players (age 30.0 ± 7.7 y, body mass 69.6 ± 15.3 kg, training 11.1 ± 3.5 h/wk) completed 2 exercise trials, separated by 7-14 d, 70 min after ingestion of 4 mg/kg caffeine (CAF) or dextrose placebo (PLA). Each trial consisted of four 4-min PUSHes and 3 sets of 3 × 20-m SPRs, each separated by 4 min rest. Participants responded to the Felt Arousal (a measure of perceived arousal), Feeling (a measure of the affective dimension of pleasure/displeasure), and rating-of-perceived-exertion (RPE) scales. Salivary caffeine secretion rates were measured. Average SPR times were faster during CAF than PLA during SPR 1 and SPR 2 (P = .037 and .016). There was no influence of supplementation on PUSHes 2-4 (P > .099); however, participants pushed significantly farther during PUSH 1 after CAF than after PLA (mean ± SD 677 ± 107 and 653 ± 118 m, P = .047). There was no influence of CAF on arousal or RPE scores (P > .132). Feeling scores improved over the course of the CAF trial only (P = .017) but did not significantly differ between trials (P > .167). Pre-warm-up (45 min postingestion) salivary CAF secretion rates were 1.05 ± 0.94 and 0.08 ± 0.05 μg/min for CAF and PLA, respectively. Acute CAF supplementation can improve both 20-m-sprint performance and a 1-off bout of short-term endurance performance in wheelchair sportsmen.

Rating of perceived exertion and acute mountain sickness during a high-altitude trek.

There is a widely held belief that strenuous exercise should be avoided on arrival at high altitude (HA) and during acclimatization. Data from chamber studies are contradictory and the studies are usually of short duration, therefore differing from the "real world." We studied 48 trekkers during a 10-d ascent to 16,827 ft (5129 m) in the Cordillera Real area of Bolivia. Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scores were recorded for the hardest perceived exertion during the day after ascents to 12,576, 14,600, and 16,827 ft (3833, 4450, and 5129 m). Heart rate, Spo2, and Lake Louise Score (LLS) were recorded simultaneously. Statistical testing was performed using SPSS 21 software. A P-value of ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) rates were higher after trekking days with higher levels of perceived exertion. The LLS was higher in those with a Borg RPE score ≥ 15 both following exercise (mean LLS 2.6 vs. 1.7) and at rest the following day (mean LLS 2.7 vs. 1.7). Heart rate was higher in those with high Borg RPE scores (80 vs. 87) and oxygen saturations lower at rest (86 vs. 83) the following morning. This data lends weight to the advice of moderate exertion during a trek to HA and suggests that reducing perceived exertion may reduce AMS.

Effects of walking-induced fatigue on gait function and tripping risks in older adults.

BackgroundFatigue and ageing contribute to impaired control of walking and are linked to falls. In this project, fatigue was induced by maximum speed walking to examine fatigue effects on lower limb trajectory control and associated tripping risk and overall gait functions of older adults.MethodsEleven young (18–35 years) and eleven older adults (>65 years) conducted 5-minute preferred speed treadmill walking prior to and following 6-minute maximum fast walking. Spatio-temporal gait parameters and minimum foot clearance (MFC) were obtained. Maximal muscle strength (hamstrings and quadriceps) was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) assessed physiological effort and subjective fatigue. Physiological Cost Index computed walking efficiency.ResultsFatigue due to fast walking increased step length, double support time and variability of step width. Only older adults reduced MFC due to fatigue. A trend of longer double support with greater MFC was found in the non-dominant limb. Lower walking efficiency was characterised as the ageing effect. Older adults did not increase HR during fast walking but higher RPE scores were observed.ConclusionsOlder adults can increase tripping risk by 6 minutes of fast walking possibly by both impaired walking efficiency based on cardiac capacity and higher perceived fatigue due to elevated caution level. Regardless of age, increased step width variability due to fatigue was observed, a sign of impaired balance. Longer double support and greater MFC observed in the older adults’ non-dominant limb could be an asymmetrical gait adaptation for safety.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1743-0003-11-155) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The application of differential ratings of perceived exertion to Australian Football League matches.

To investigate the application of differential ratings of perceived exertion for the examination of internal load during Australian Football League (AFL) matches. Single cohort, observational study. Using the centiMax rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, 26 professional AFL players provided ratings for match exertion (RPE-M), along with differential ratings for breathlessness (RPE-B), leg exertion (RPE-L), and technical demand (RPE-T) following 129 matches (5.0 ± 1.6 matches per player). Global positioning satellite (GPS) and accelerometer measures were also collected. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferences. RPE scores were 93.0 ± 8.2 AU (RPE-M), 89.0 ± 11.0 AU (RPE-B), 91.5 ± 9.8 AU (RPE-L), and 87.0 ± 10.0 AU (RPE-T). There was a most likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-T (5.5%; ± 90% confidence limits 1.9%), a likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-B (3.5%; ± 1.5%) and a possibly small difference between RPE-B and RPE-T (1.9%; ± 1.9%). Within-player correlations between RPE and GPS measures were small for RPE-M (r = 0.14-0.28), unclear to small for RPE-B (r = 0.06-0.24) and unclear to moderate for RPE-L (r = 0.06-0.37). Differential RPE's combined to explain 76% of the variance in RPE-M. For all RPE scores, within-player variability was moderate to high (typical error: 7.9-12.4%), and the thresholds for a likely between-match change were 8.8-13.7%. As differential RPE's represent distinct sensory inputs, the collection of these scores facilitate the interpretation of internal match loads and therefore represent a valuable addition to match data collection procedures. Moderate to high within-player variability should be considered when interpreting between-match changes in all RPE scores.

Physiological responses according to rules changes during 3 vs. 3 small-sided games in youth soccer players: stop-ball vs. small-goals rules

Small-sided games (SSGs) are effective for soccer-specific aerobic endurance training. To date, no study has investigated the effect of stop-ball (SB-SSG) rule on the physiological responses to SSG. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of SB-SSG vs. small-goals (SG-SSG) rules on physiological responses during a 3 vs. 3 SSG in young soccer players. Twelve male amateur young soccer players (age, 14.0 ± 0.7 years; body mass, 51.8 ± 8.0 kg; height, 164 ± 7 cm) randomly performed either SB-SSG or SG-SSG for 4 × 4 min separated by 2 min of recovery on a 20 × 15 m pitch. During the SB-SSG, participants were instructed to stop the ball with the soles of their boots in a 15 × 1 m surface behind the pitch bottom line; whereas during the SG-SSG, the participants were instructed to score to a mini-goal (i.e., 1 × 0.5 m). During each test session, the mean heart rate (HR), the post-SSG rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores and blood lactate concentrations ([La−]) were recorded. Results showed that SB-SSG induced significantly higher mean HR (178 ± 3 vs. 174 ± 3 bpm; P < 0.05) and [La−] (4.66 ± 0.98 vs. 4.16 ± 1.02 mol · L–1; P < 0.05) than SG-SSG. However, there was no significant difference between SB-SSG and SG-SSG for the RPE scores. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the effectiveness of SB-SSG in SSG training. Indeed, SB-SSG can influence the effort intensity in SSG (i.e., resulted in a higher intensity than SG-SSG). Therefore, coaches have the possibility to choose between SB-SSG and SG-SSG rules during training sessions according to their physical and technical objectives.

Effect of treadmill training on fatigue in multiple sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) tend to be less physically active than the general population. Limited physical activity increases fatigue, possibly affecting other functions such as balance. Treadmill training is a promising method to ameliorate these symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treadmill training on fatigue and balance. Thirty PwMS were recruited; the mean age was 47.6 (SD 9.2). The median EDSS score was 5.5 (range 3-6.5). Individuals were randomized into a control group receiving 12 sessions of conventional therapy and an experimental group receiving conventional therapy including 15 min of treadmill training. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Berg Balance Scale were assessed before and after rehabilitation. Despite a low HR (107 beats/min), the RPE score was high (15.8) at baseline assessment. In the experimental group, RPE decreased significantly to 12.8 (P=0.04) after training. Treadmill training also had a positive effect on HR, but no changes in the Fatigue Severity Scale and balance were observed. In conclusion, PwMS showed a high level of exertion before treatment. Treadmill training was effective in reducing the level of perceived fatigue, with no impact on balance.

Monitoring Internal Load Parameters During Competitive Synchronized Swimming Duet Routines in Elite Athletes

The aim of the study is to compare the heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) responses as internal load indicators while performing duet routines during training and competition, both in the technical and free programs of synchronized swimming (SS). Participants were 10 SS Olympic medalists (age, 17.4 ± 3.0 years; height, 164.0 ± 6.1 cm; body mass, 52.0 ± 6.4 kg; training, 36.3 ± 6.2 h·wk; experience, 9.2 ± 2.6 years). They were monitored while performing the same technical duet or free duet, during a training session (T) and during an official competition (C). Heart rate was continuously monitored. Rate of perceived exertion was assessed using the Borg CR10 scale. Heart rate responses during T and C were almost identical: pre-exercise mean HR (b·min) was 130.5 ± 13.9 (T) and 133.6 ± 7.7 (C) and quickly increased yielding mean peak values of 184.8 ± 5.8 (T) and 184.8 ± 6.6 (C), with interspersed bradycardic events down to 86.6 ± 4 (T) and 86.3 ± 5 (C). Routines were perceived as "hard" to "extremely hard" by the swimmers in both conditions, and mean RPE scores (0-10+) were equally high during C (7.9 ± 1.2) and T (7.5 ± 1.2) (p = 0.223). Rate of perceived exertion inversely correlated with minimum (R = -0.545; p = 0.008) and mean HR (R = -0.452; p = 0.026) and positively correlated with HRrange (R = 0.520; p = 0.011). The internal load imposed by SS duets performed during training is virtually identical to that elicited in a real competitive situation. Therefore, practicing competitive routines is suitable for developing and maintaining the cardiovascular fitness that is needed for specific conditioning in elite synchronized swimmers, with the added value of favoring exercise automaticity, interindividual coordination, and artistic expression simultaneously.

Effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of physical performance and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of physical performance and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players. Twelve young male soccer players (age 13.3 ± 0.4 yrs; height 164.8 ± 2.9 cm; body mass 60.9 ± 6.5 kg) completed vertical jump tests and the multistage 20-m shuttle run test one week before Ramadan (BR) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4) in the morning and in the afternoon. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained after the shuttle test. The results showed that squat jump and countermovement jump performances and predicted VO2max were higher in the afternoon than the morning only BR (p < 0.001). Moreover, the afternoon values were lower during R4 than BR (p < 0.001). Furthermore, RPE scores were higher in the afternoon compared with the morning during R4 (p < 0.001), and during R4 compared with BR in the afternoon (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Ramadan leads to impairment in adolescent soccer players’ performances in the afternoon and affects their diurnal pattern observed BR.

The effect of time-of-day and judo match on short-term maximal performances in judokas

The aim of the present study was to investigate the time-of-day effect on short-term maximal performances before and after a judo match in young judokas. Ten male judokas (age, 18.2 ± 1.4 yrs; height, 176.5 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 74.1 ± 9.6 kg) performed three test sessions at 09:00, 12:30, and 16:00 h. During each session, they completed the hand grip (HG) and the Wingate tests before (T0) and after (T1) a 5-min judo combat. Likewise, core temperature was measured at T0 and T1 in all sessions. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained at the end of each combat. Core temperature recorded before and after the judo match was lower at 09:00 h than 12:30 h and 16:00 h, and at 12:30 h than 16:00 h (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results indicated a significant increase in core temperature after the combat with respect to before the combat at the three times of measurement (p < 0.001). Muscle strength and power were significantly lower at 09:00 h than 16:00 h only before the combat (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated a significant decrease in muscle strength and power at 09:00, 12:30, and 16:00 h after the combat than before the combat (p < 0.05), with higher decrease in performance at 16:00 h than 09:00 and 12:30 h (e.g. 3.7 ± 6.2% vs. 3.7 ± 1.7% vs. 6.4 ± 5.0% for HG at 09:00, 12:30, and 16:00 h, respectively). The RPE scores were not significantly different between 09:00, 12:30, and 16:00 h. In conclusion, judokas’ muscle power and strength were significantly higher in the afternoon than the morning. However, these diurnal variations disappeared after the judo match by a higher fatigue in the afternoon than the morning.

Effects of partial sleep deprivation at the end of the night on anaerobic performances in judokas

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of partial sleep deprivation at the end of the night (PSDE) on anaerobic performances during the Wingate test (peak (PP) and mean (MP) power) and the hand grip (HG) test in judokas. In a randomized order, twenty-one judokas (age: 19.1 ± 1.2 yrs; height: 176.5 ± 4.2 cm; body mass: 77.3 ± 6.3 kg) performed two sessions after a normal sleep night (NSN) or a PSDE. During each session, they carried out the Wingate and the HG tests before (T0) and after (T1) a judo match. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained at the end of the combat. PP and MP decreased significantly from T0 to T1 during the two experimental conditions (p < 0.01), and from NSN to PSDE at T0 and T1 (p < 0.05). However, the HG strength decreased only from T0 to T1 (p < 0.001) and was not significantly affected by PSDE. Likewise, the RPE scores were not affected by PSDE. Therefore, PSDE (i) reduced muscle power during the Wingate test and (ii) did not affect muscle strength during the HG test.

Physical strain during activities of daily living of patients with coronary artery disease

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical strain of activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with healthy controls. Seventeen patients with CAD and 15 controls performed a graded exercise bicycle test and 5 ADL tasks: walking with/without load, vacuum cleaning, undressing, and walking stairs. Peak heart rate (HRpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2) peak) were determined during the bicycle test. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) were continuously measured during all ADL tasks. Physical strain during ADL tasks was calculated using HR and VO(2) response, expressed relative to individual HR and VO(2) reserves (%HRR, %VO(2) R, respectively). Perceived strain was measured using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. HRpeak and VO(2) peak were lower (P<0·001) in patients. Patients performed the ADL tasks slower and with lower absolute VO(2), except for undressing. HR was only higher in patients during stair climbing. No differences in RPE scores were found between both groups, except for undressing. However, physical strain was significantly higher in patients (mean %VO(2) R ranged from 43% to 51%; mean %HRR ranged from 38% to 47%) compared with controls (mean %VO(2) R: 14% to 30%; mean %HRR: 14% to 29%) for all ADL tasks. In general, ADL tasks were performed slower and with higher physical strain in patients with CAD compared with controls.

Warm-up durations and time-of-day impacts on rate of perceived exertion after short-term maximal performance

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of different active warm-up (AWU) durations on the diurnal variations of power output during the Wingate test and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Eleven male handball players, volunteered to take part in this study, underwent six Wingate tests at 08:00 and 18:00 h after 5 (AWU5), 15 (AWU15), or 20 min (AWU20) of AWU. All the warm-up protocols consisted of pedaling at a constant pace of 60 rpm against 50% of the maximal aerobic power. RPE scores were recorded after the AWU and Wingate test. During the Wingate test, the peak (PP), the mean power (MP), and the fatigue index were measured. The RPE values were not affected by the time-of-day after both AWU and the Wingate test. The PP and MP during the Wingate test were: (i) higher in the evening in comparison with the morning (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). (ii) Better PP and MP were recorded after AWU15 than after AWU5 and AWU20 at 08:00 h. Time-of-day affects the Wingate test performance, but not the RPE scores. Moreover, before morning competition, subjects could be advised to increase morning AWU, but not longer than 15 min.

Evaluation of Hydrotherapy, Using Passive Tests and Power Tests, for Recovery Across a Cyclic Week of Competitive Rugby Union

In team sports, a cycle of training, competition, and recovery occurs weekly during the competitive season. In this research, we evaluated hydrotherapy for recovery from a simulated game of rugby union tracked over a week of training. Twenty-four experienced male rugby union players (mean ± SD age 19.46 ± 0.82 years, weight 82.38 ± 11.12 kg, height 178.54 ± 5.75 cm) were randomly divided into 3 groups: cold water immersion (n = 8), contrast bath therapy (n = 8), and a control group (n = 8). The 2 forms of hydrotherapy were administered immediately after a simulated rugby game. Testing was conducted 1 hour before the game and at 5 intervals postgame: 1, 48, 72, 96, and 144 hours. Dependent variables included countermovement jump, 10- and 40-m sprints, sessional rating of perceived exertion (RPE), flexibility, thigh circumference, and self-reported delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Significant differences in DOMS were found between the cold water immersion and contrast bath groups at 48 hours post intervention (p = 0.02), and between the control and contrast bath groups at 72 (p = 0.03) and 96 (p = 0.04) hours post intervention. Cold water immersion and contrast bath groups reported significantly different RPE at 72 hours (p = ?) and 96 hours post (p = 0.05) intervention. Athletes' perceptions of muscle soreness and sessional RPE scores for training were greater in the contrast bath group (20%) after the simulated game and throughout the training week. Although results from passive and power tests were inconclusive in determining whether cold water immersion or passive recovery was more effective in attenuating fatigue, results indicated contrast baths had little benefit in enhancing recovery during a cyclic week of rugby union.

Validity of Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Active Video Game Play

During physically interactive video game play (e.g., Nintendo Wii), users are exposed to potential distracters (e.g., video, music), which may decrease their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout game play. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the association between RPE scores and heart rate while playing the Nintendo Wii. Healthy adults (N = 13, 53.5 ± 5.4 years old) participated in two exercise sessions using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus. During each session participants played a five-minute warm-up game (Basic Run), two separate Wii Fit Plus games (Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics or Balance Training) for fifteen minutes each, and then a five-minute cool down game (Basic Run). Borg RPE and heart rate were assessed during the final 30 seconds of the warm up and cool down, as well during the final 30 seconds of play for each Wii Fit Plus game. Correlation analysis combining data from both exercise sessions indicated a moderate positive relationship between heart rate and RPE (r = 0.32). Mixed-effects model regression analyses demonstrated that RPE scores were significantly associated with heart rate (p &lt; 0.001). The average percentage of age-predicted heart rate maximum achieved (58 ± 6%) was significantly greater (p = 0.001) than the percentage of maximum RPE indicated (43 ± 11%). Borg RPE scores were positively associated with heart rate in adults during exercise sessions using the Wii Fit Plus. However, this relationship was lower than observed in past research assessing RPE validity during different modes of exercise (e.g. walking, running) without distracters.

Different recovery methods and muscle performance after exhausting exercise: comparison of the effects of electrical muscle stimulation and massage.

In this study we assessed the influence of the three different recovery interventions massage (MSG), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), and passive rest (PR) on lactate disappearance and muscle recovery after exhausting exercise bouts. Twelve healthy male sport students participated in the study. They attended the laboratory on five test days. After measurement of O2max and a baseline Wingate test (WGb), the three recovery interventions were tested in random counterbalanced order. High intensity exercise, which consisted of six exhausting exercise bouts (interspersed with active recovery), was followed by MSG, EMS or PR application (24 minutes); then the final Wingate test (WGf) was performed. Lactate, heart rate, peak and mean power, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and total quality of recovery (TQR) were recorded. In WGf mean power was significantly higher than in WGb for all three recovery modalities (MSG 6.29%, EMS 5.33%, PR 4.84% increase, p < 0.05), but no significant differences in mean and peak power were observed between the three recovery modes (p > 0.05). The heart rate response and the changes in blood lactate concentration were identical in all three interventions during the entire protocol (p = 0.817, p = 0.493, respectively). RPE and TQR scores were also not different among the three interventions (p > 0.05). These results provide further evidence that MSG and EMS are not more effective than PR in the process of recovery from high intensity exercise.

Upper limb muscle fatigue during prolonged Boccia games with underarm throwing technique

This study investigated the acute fatigue pattern in neuromuscular activity after a simulated Boccia game and the effect of fatigue pattern on sport performance. Nine elite Boccia athletes were tested before, during, and after a simulated game. Maximum ball speed was captured with video, and the target hitting rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score were collected and analyzed. Electromyography signals from the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and wrist extensor muscles were collected by surface electrode and were evaluated with mean power frequency (MPF). Only the upper trapezius muscle showed fatigue as demonstrated by a reduction of MPF of 8% (p = 0.027) when comparing the first and last throws in a simulated game. Subjective RPE score increased during the game (118%, p = 0.004), and sports performance in terms of maximum ball speed (-12%, p = 0.004) and target hitting rate (-25%, p = 0.004) also deteriorated. In conclusion, fatigue on the upper trapezius muscle was demonstrated in elite Boccia athletes following a prolonged Boccia game and may have affected Boccia performance. Preventative measures against upper trapezius muscle fatigue and endurance training for synergists of the upper trapezius muscle may be considered in future studies.

CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES AND SUBJECTIVE PERCEIVE DURING DIFFERENT POSITIONS AND RESISTIVE EXERCISES IN HEALTHY ADULTS

ObjectivesAlthough heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) differences between the transfer of supine and sitting position have long been recognised, limited data are available on the different positions...

Perceived Effort of Walking: Relationship With Gait, Physical Function and Activity, Fear of Falling, and Confidence in Walking in Older Adults With Mobility Limitations

Although clinicians have a number of measures to use to describe walking performance, few, if any, of the measures capture a person's perceived effort in walking. Perceived effort of walking may be a factor in what a person does versus what he or she is able to do. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of perceived effort of walking with gait, function, activity, fear of falling, and confidence in walking in older adults with mobility limitations. Design This investigation was a cross-sectional, descriptive, relational study. The study took place at a clinical research training center. The participants were 50 older adults (mean age=76.8 years, SD=5.5) with mobility limitations. The measurements used were the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for walking; gait speed; the Modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale; energy cost of walking; Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) for total, basic, and advanced lower-extremity function and for disability limitations; activity and restriction subscales of the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (SAFFE); activity counts; SAFFE fear subscale; and Gait Efficacy Scale (GES). The relationship of the RPE of walking with gait, function, activity, fear, and confidence was determined by using Spearman rank order coefficients and an analysis of variance (adjusted for age and sex) for mean differences between groups defined by no exertion during walking and some exertion during walking. The RPE was related to confidence in walking (GES, R=-.326, P=.021) and activity (activity counts, R=.295, P=.044). The RPE groups (no exertion versus some exertion) differed in LLFDI scores for total (57.9 versus 53.2), basic (68.6 versus 61.4), and advanced (49.1 versus 42.6) lower-extremity function; LLFDI scores for disability limitations (74.9 versus 67.5); SAFFE fear subscale scores (0.346 versus 0.643); and GES scores (80.1 versus 67.8) (all P<.05). Limitations The range of RPE scores for the participants studied was narrow. Thus, the real correlations between RPE and gait, physical function, and psychological aspects of walking may be greater than the relationships reported. The perceived effort of walking was associated with physical activity and confidence in walking. Reducing the perceived effort of walking may be an important target of interventions to slow the decline in function of older adults with mobility limitations.

Rating of perceived exertion during cycling is associated with subsequent running economy in triathletes

ObjectivesTo determine which commonly measured variables of cycling intensity are related to subsequent running economy in triathletes. DesignCross-sectional laboratory study. MethodsRunning economy was compared between a control run (no preceding cycle) and a run performed after a 45min high-intensity cycle in eighteen triathletes. Power output, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration were monitored throughout the cycle. The relationship between measures of cycle intensity and the change in running economy was evaluated using Pearson's product moment correlation. Changes in running economy were also interpreted using the smallest worthwhile change (>2.4%) and grouped accordingly (i.e. impaired, no change, or improved running economy). ResultsTriathletes’ RPE at the end of the cycling bout was significantly associated with the change in running economy after cycling (r=0.57, p=0.01). Average RPE of the cycle bout and RPE at the end of the cycling bout were significantly different between groups, with higher RPE scores being related to impairments in running economy (p=0.04 and p=0.02 respectively). ConclusionsRPE during cycling is associated with subsequent running economy in triathletes. RPE is a simple, cost-effective measure that triathletes and their coaches can use in competition and training to control cycling intensity without the need for specialist equipment such as crank systems or blood analysers.

The effect of Ramadan fasting on the diurnal variations in aerobic and anaerobic performances in Tunisian youth soccer players

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on physical performance in youth Muslim athletes their diurnal fluctuations. In a balanced and randomized study design, 10 Tunisian junior male soccer players completed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT) and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) at 07:00 and 17:00 h on three different occasions: 1 week before Ramadan (BR), the second week of Ramadan (SWR) and the fourth week of Ramadan (ER). There was an interval of 36 h between any two successive tests. Oral temperature was measured before each test. Under each condition, the results showed a time-of-day effect on oral temperature. However, no significant diurnal variations in rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were observed during the three periods (BR, SWR and ER). Performances during the YYIRT and the first two sprints of the RSA improved significantly from morning to evening during BR. However, daily fluctuations disappeared during the SWR and ER. Considering the effect of Ramadan on physical performances, in comparison with BR, no significant difference was observed during Ramadan at 07:00 h. However, the variables were significantly lower in SWR and ER at 17:00 h. The RPE scores were higher during SWR and ER in the evening after the YYIRT and RSA tests. In conclusion, the time-of-day effects on physical performances variables tend to disappear during Ramadan. In comparison with the period BR, physical performances were unaffected at 07:00 h but impaired at 17:00 h during Ramadan.