Rating Of Perceived Exertion Scores Research Articles

The acute effect of Quercetin on muscle performance following a single resistance training session.

To examine the effect of acute quercetin (Q) ingestion on neuromuscular function, biomarkers of muscle damage, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in response to an acute bout of resistance training. 10 young men (22.1 ± 1.8 years, 24.1 ± 3.1 BMI) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Subjects consumed Q (1g/day) or placebo (PLA) 3h prior to a resistance training session which consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions at 80% of the one repetition maximum (1RM) completed bilaterally for eight different resistance exercises. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the knee extensor muscles during maximal isometric (MVIC) and isokinetic voluntary contractions, and during an isometric fatiguing test. Mechanical and EMG signals, biomarkers of cell damage, and RPE score were measured PRE, immediately POST, and 24h (blood indices only) following the resistance exercise. After a single dose of Q, the torque-velocity curve of knee extensors was enhanced and after the resistance exercise, subjects showed a lower MVIC reduction (Q: 0.91 ± 6.10%, PLA: 8.66 ± 5.08%) with a greater rate of torque development (+ 10.6%, p < 0.005) and neuromuscular efficiency ratio (+ 28.2%, p < 0.005). Total volume of the resistance exercises was significantly greater in Q (1691.10 ± 376.71 kgrep) compared to PLA (1663.65 ± 378.85 kgrep) (p < 0.05) with a comparable RPE score. No significant differences were found in blood marker between treatments. The acute ingestion of Q may enhance the neuromuscular performance during and after a resistance training session.

Comparison of two warm-up models for obese and normal-weight adults performing supramaximal cycling exercise.

This study examines the impact of two forms of active warm-up on supramaximal cycling performance among sedentary adults. Thirty-seven adults [23.05 (6.4) years; BMI=26.05 (1.3) kg/m2, FM=30.1 (4.2)%, VO2max=23.8 (5.8) ml/min/kg] participated in a cross-over randomized study, and all underwent a supramaximal cycling test (SCT) following 5 minutes of two models of warm-up pedalled at a constant velocity of 60 rpm. In the first experimental condition, the warm-up was set at 50% of maximal aerobic power (WU50%MAP). In the second experimental condition, the intensity was set at 50% of maximal heart rate (WU50%MHR). During both experimental conditions the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of the warm-up and the performance reduction in percentage (ΔPr%) during the SCT were recorded. During the WU50%MAP experimental condition, obese (OB) adults showed higher values of post-warm-up heart rate (~30%) than in the normal weight (NW) group (p<0.01). In addition, the RPE scores determined after the warm-up were significantly higher in OB compared to NW (~30%; p<0.01). However, after the WU50%MHR experimental condition, no significant differences remained between OB and NW. Moreover, the analyses showed a significant positive association between the elevated heart rate values observed after WU50%MAP and both RPE and ΔPr% (r= 0.71 and r =0.81, p <0.05 respectively). In contrast to NW individuals, the WU50%MHR seems to be more suitable for the OB group undergoing the SCT given that WU50%MAP affected supramaximal cycling performances.

The effect of acute intermittent exercise on pain threshold and tolerance in middle-aged tennis players

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the alterations in pain threshold and tolerance of middle-aged persons those who regularly play tennis at rest and following acute voluntary exercise. Methods: Fifty-nine recreationally-active persons aged 30-60 years participated in this study. Women and men separately were divided into 10-years groups, with 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 years of age. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pain tolerance (PPT) measurements were recorded at rest and immediately following an acute exercise. PPT and PPTO values were measured from the biceps muscle of dominant arm by using a digital algometer. Singles tennis match was used as an acute voluntary exercise session, the duration of each tennis match (min) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Results: No statistical differences were found in exercise duration or RPE scores among groups. RPE scores showed that tennis match played by participants was corresponded a strenuous exercise session. In all age groups, no statistical differences were found in baseline PPT or PPTO results in women or men. PPT and PPTO values were increased following exercise both in women and men. Although post-exercise PPT results were similar among age groups of women and men, PPTO values of men were found to be higher in all age groups of men in comparison with the same age groups of women. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study revealed that one bout of voluntary exercise session resulted in gender-dependent differences in pain tolerance in middle-aged participants, and those middle-aged men were tolerated of pain at higher pressure levels following exercise in comparison with women at the same age.

The effects of supramaximal versus submaximal intensity eccentric training when performed until volitional fatigue.

Our purpose was to compare supramaximal versus submaximal intensity eccentric training performed until volitional fatigue. Thirty-two young adults (19 males) were randomized into one of three groups: (1) ECC110 performed eccentric (ECC) only contractions at 110% of concentric (CON) 1-repetition maximum (1RM); (2) ECC80 performed ECC only contractions at 80% of CON 1RM; (3) a control group. Training progressed from 3 to 6 sets of unilateral ECC training of the elbow flexors over 8weeks, with each set performed until volitional fatigue. Elbow flexors muscle thickness (via ultrasound) and 1RM were assessed pre- and post-training. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscle soreness was self-reported. Both ECC110 (+0.25cm) and ECC80 (+0.21cm) showed a greater post-training increase in muscle thickness compared to control (-0.01cm) (p<0.05), with no differences between ECC110 and ECC80. ECC80 (+1.23kg) showed a greater post-training increase in strength compared to control (p<0.05), while ECC110 (+0.76kg) had no significant difference post-training vs. control (-0.01kg). ECC80 had significantly lower average RPE scores than ECC110 (p<0.05). Both supramaximal intensity eccentric training and submaximal intensity eccentric training are effective for increasing muscle size, but submaximal eccentric training is perceived to require less exertion than supramaximal training. These findings suggest that submaximal eccentric training may be an ideal strategy to increase muscle size and strength in individuals whose needs warrant training at a lower level of exertion.

The Role of the Rating-of-Perceived-Exertion Template in Pacing.

The primary purpose was to investigate whether the RPE template can be manipulated by changing the race distance during the course of a time trial. The secondary purpose was to study how athletes cope with this manipulation, especially in terms of the RPE template. Trained male subjects (N = 10) performed 3 cycling time trials: a 10-km (TT10), a 15-km (TT15), and a manipulated 15-km (TTman). During the TTman, subjects started the time trial believing that they were going to perform a 10-km time trial. However, at 7.5km they were told that it was a 15-km time trial. A significant main effect of time-trial condition on RPE scores until kilometer 7.5 was found (P = .016). Post hoc comparisons showed that the RPE values of the TT15 were lower than the RPE values of the TT10 (difference 0.60; CI95% 0.11, 1.0) and TTman (difference 0.73; CI95% 0.004, 1.5). After the 7.5km, a transition phase occurs, in which an interaction effect is present (P = .011). After this transition phase, the RPE values of TTman and TT15 did not statistically differ (P = 1.00). This novel distance-endpoint manipulation demonstrates that it is possible to switch between RPE templates. A clear shift in RPE during the TTman is present between the RPE templates of the TT10 and TT15. The shift strongly supports suggestions that pacing is regulated using an RPE template.

Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Analysis of Small Combat Games in Kickboxing: Impact of Ring Size and Number of Within-Round Sparring Partners.

Ouergui, I, Houcine, N, Marzouki, H, Davis, P, Franchini, E, Gmada, N, and Bouhlel, E. Physiological responses and time-motion analysis of small combat games in kickboxing: impact of ring size and number of within-round sparring partners. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1840-1846, 2017-The study aimed to investigate the physiological responses and time-structure of small combat games (SCGs) in kickboxing according to ring sizes and number of sparring partners. Twenty athletes from regional (n = 13) and national levels (n = 7) participated in the study (mean ± SD, age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years; height: 177 ± 4.8 cm; body mass: 71.8 ± 10.5 kg). Blood lactate concentration [La] was measured before and after bouts, and the delta (Δ) was determined. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout and HR and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also measured postbout. The HRpre, HRmean, and percentage of peak HR (%HRpeak) were used for analysis. The HRpeak was determined during a cycle ergometer graded exercise test. Each athlete was confronted by 1 (1 vs. 1; no sparring partner change), 2 (1 vs. 2) and 4 opponents (1 vs. 4) within-round (sparring partner change every 1 minute or 30 seconds, respectively) in different ring sizes (i.e., 2×2 m, 4×4 m, and 6×6 m). All combats were recorded and analyzed to determine the duration of different activity phases (high-intensity activities [HIA], low-intensity actions [LIA], and referee pause [P]). Results showed that values for HRpre and HRmean when opposed by a single individual (1 vs. 1) were lower than other conditions (all p < 0.001). Moreover, %HRpeak values in 1 vs. 1 were lower than in other conditions and higher in 4 × 4 m compared with other sizes. [La]pre, post, and the Δ did not differ among all conditions (p > 0.05). The RPE scores were lower in 1 vs. 1 compared with other conditions (p < 0.001), with no ring sizes effect (p > 0.05). For time-motion variables, HIA values were lower in 1 vs. 1 than in the 2 other conditions and was longer in 2 × 2 m compared with 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m, whereas LIA values were higher in 1 vs. 1 and lower in the 2 × 2 m. In conclusion, SCGs seem to be a good form of exercise for sufficient cardiovascular conditioning specific to kickboxing activity in comparison with data from previous studies.

The Role of the Rating of Perceived Exertion Template in Pacing

The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) template is thought to regulate pacing and has been shown to be very robust in different circumstances. PURPOSE: The primary purpose was to investigate whether the RPE template can be manipulated by changing the anticipated race distance during the course of a time trial. The secondary purpose was to study how athletes cope with this manipulation, especially in terms of the RPE template. METHOD: Trained male cyclists (N=10) performed three cycling time trials: a 10 km (TT10), a 15 km (TT15) and a manipulated 15 km (TTman). During the TTman, subjects started the time trial believing that they were going to perform a 10-km time trial. However, at 7.5 km they were told that it was a 15-km time trial. RESULTS: A significant main effect of time-trial condition on RPE scores until kilometer 7.5 was found (P=0.016). Post-hoc comparisons showed that the RPE values of the TT15 were lower than the RPE values of the TT10 (Diff:0.60; CI:0.11, 1.0) and TTman (Diff:0.73; CI:0.004, 1.5). After the 7.5 km, a transition phase occurs, in which an interaction effect is present (P=0.011). After this transition phase, the RPE values of TTman and TT15 did not statistically differ (P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: This novel distance-endpoint manipulation demonstrates that it is possible to switch between RPE templates. A clear shift in RPE during the TTman is present between the RPE template of the TT10 and TT15. The shift strongly supports suggestions that pacing is regulated using a RPE template.Figure

The Effect of an Energy Harvesting Backpack on Perceived Exertion during Locomotion

Biomechanical energy harvesting from elastically-suspended load carriage is a promising source of power for Soldiers, who often march with heavy loads at varying speeds on various terrains. An energy harvesting backpack (EHB) has been developed which generates power from vertical oscillations during locomotion. Ideally, the EHB should not increase psycho-physiological burden compared to the standard military assault pack (AP). PURPOSE: To compare ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) while walking with an EHB and an AP at different speeds on different grades. METHODS: 16 subjects (M±SD; 28.6±4.9 years; 173.4±10.6 cm; 78.7±16.4 kg) walked on a treadmill with each pack for 5 minutes at each of three grades (+5%, 0%, and -5%) and each of two speeds (1.34 m/s and self-selected faster speed). Both the AP and EHB contained a 15.9 kg load, but the design of the EHB made it 4.4 kg heavier than the AP. A Borg RPE score was taken during the last 10 seconds of walking at each grade and speed. A within-subjects ANOVA was used to determine effects of pack, grade, and speed on log-transformed RPE. Alpha level was set a priori at p<0.05. Post-hoc comparisons were explored using Bonferroni corrections. RESULTS: There were main effects for pack, speed, and grade (F1,152=14.3, F1,152=100.1, and F1,152=346.3, respectively; p<0.001) with no interaction effects. Subjects reported a greater sense of exertion with the EHB (11.9±2.8) than with the AP (11.2±2.6) regardless of speed and grade. Faster speeds elicited higher RPE scores than slower speeds (13.1±2.4 and 10.1±2.1, respectively), while the incline grade produced higher RPE scores (13.1±2.5) than decline and level grades (10.3±2.3 and 11.2±2.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The EHB caused greater levels of perceived exertion that were not altered by walking speed or grade. This may be due to the extra stabilization required or the extra weight cost of the EHB. Kinematic variables (trunk lean) related to this research suggest potential non-linear effects of EHB use, which may also be related to the increased perceptions of exertion found here. This may affect trade-offs between power generation, perceived exertion, and metabolic cost that warrants further research and may ultimately affect user-acceptance of suspended-load energy harvesting systems in the field.

Does limb partitioning and positioning affect acute cardiorespiratory responses during strength exercises in patients with COPD?

Cardiorespiratory responses and symptoms in response to endurance exercise in patients with COPD vary with the number and position of involved limbs. Responses to such variations have never been quantified for strength exercises. We therefore assessed acute cardiorespiratory responses during brief bouts of weight lifting exercises. We compared double- versus single-limb leg extensions and arm elevations, as well as arm elevation done above or below shoulder level in patients with moderate to severe COPD (n = 10, 6 males, 66 (8.1 years), forced expiratory volume on 1 s (FEV1 ) % predicted = 34% (14%)). Minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, oxygen saturation, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery time were collected during single sets of each exercise (10 repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum). Ventilatory and gas exchange responses were not affected by the number of exercising limbs. Changes in HR, BP and RPE scores during arm elevation above shoulder level were greater after double- compared with single-arm elevation (P ≤ 0.001) and greater when exercising above compared with below shoulder level (P ≤ 0.01). Double-arm elevation above shoulder level required 1.5 min longer HR recovery time (P ≤ 0.041) compared with other exercises. Double-arm elevation above shoulder level appears to be more challenging than other strength exercise variations. Partitioning exercises and limb position may reduce perceived exertion during training.

Misinterpretation of the Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale by patients with panic disorder during ergospirometry challenge

IntroductionThe most widely used instrument to measure perceived exertion or exercise intensity is the Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale. Panic attacks are aversive experiences that may be triggered...

Effects of progressive resistance exercise in akinetic-rigid Parkinson's disease patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Progressive resistance exercise (PRE) can have a positive effect in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the effect of PRE may vary with the clinical subtype of PD. To date, no study has assessed the effects of PRE in the different subtypes of PD. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of PRE in PD patients with akinesia and rigidity (AR-subtype). A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Outpatients clinics of the Bierzo Parkinson Association (Ponferrada, Spain) and the Asturias Parkinson Association (Oviedo, Spain). Twenty-eight patients with AR-subtype PD were randomized into an Experimental Group (EG, N.=13) and Control Group (CG, N.=15). Static posturography (Centre of Pressure -CoP- parameters), gait (the Ten-Meter Walk Test [TMWT]), freezing of gait (the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire [FOG-Q]), the motor portion of the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and patient-perceived quality of life (the 39-item Parkinson's disease Questionnaire [PDQ39]), were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and re-test. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (Borg >6-20 Scale) were recorded at the end of each PRE training session. The EG displayed significant ameliorations in Length (CoP parameters) from pre- to post-test (P=0.048), in speed of fast rhythm walking (TMWT) from pre- to post-test (P=0.000), and from pre- to re-test (P=0.027), and in the PDQ39 Score from pre- to post-test (P=0.024). No significant differences were detected in Area or Speed (CoP parameters), speed of preferred rhythm walking (TMWT), FOG-Q scores, or the motor portion of the MDS-UPDRS scores. The EG reported a mean RPE of 9.95 (between "very light" and "fairly light") for the whole training program. These findings provide support for the use of PRE training in the rehabilitation of individuals with AR-subtype PD, as it can improve static posturography, gait, and quality of life. Furthermore, RPE scores showed that individuals with AR-subtype PD consider that PRE training require only light efforts. The PRE training can be a helpful and fruitful rehabilitation tool for AR-subtype PD patients.

Effect of music on short-term maximal performance: sprinters vs. long distance runners

We aimed to examine the effect of listening to music during a warm-up on the subsequent Wingate test performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mood in sprinters and long-distance runners. Twenty-four participants were divided in two groups: twelve sprinters (20.1 ± 1.6 years, 178 ± 4.4 cm and 73.1 ± 5.2 kg) and twelve long-distance runners (21.2 ± 2.1 years, 175 ± 5.2 cm and 67.3 ± 6.4 kg). All participants performed two test sessions in a random order: with either a 10 min warm-up with music (MWU) or 10 min warm-up without music (NMWU). The RPE scores and responses to the POMS questionnaire (for the estimation of tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and vigor) were obtained after the Wingate test. Peak and mean power increased between NMWU and MWU only in sprinters (p < 0.01). RPE scores and vigor were significantly higher during MWU in comparison with NMWU in sprinters (p < 0.05). However, fatigue was significantly lower during MWU in comparison with NMWU in sprinters (p < 0.05). For all these parameters, there was no-significant difference between MWU and NMWU in long-distance runners. Listening to music may enhance the subsequent short-term maximal performance in sprinters. However, music has no significant effect on performance of long-distance runners.

Training-Intensity Distribution in Road Cyclists: Objective Versus Subjective Measures

To evaluate training-intensity distribution using different intensity measures based on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and power output (PO) in well-trained cyclists. Fifteen road cyclists participated in the study. Training data were collected during a 10-wk training period. Training-intensity distribution was quantified using RPE, HR, and PO categorized in a 3-zone training-intensity model. Three zones for HR and PO were based around a 1st and 2nd lactate threshold. The 3 RPE zones were defined using a 10-point scale: zone 1, RPE scores 1-4; zone 2, RPE scores 5-6; zone 3, RPE scores 7-10. Training-intensity distributions as percentages of time spent in zones 1, 2, and 3 were moderate to very largely different for RPE (44.9%, 29.9%, 25.2%) compared with HR (86.8%, 8.8%, 4.4%) and PO (79.5%, 9.0%, 11.5%). Time in zone 1 quantified using RPE was largely to very largely lower for RPE than PO (P < .001) and HR (P < .001). Time in zones 2 and 3 was moderately to very largely higher when quantified using RPE compared with intensity quantified using HR (P < .001) and PO (P < .001). Training-intensity distribution quantified using RPE demonstrates moderate to very large differences compared with intensity distributions quantified based on HR and PO. The choice of intensity measure affects intensity distribution and has implications for training-load quantification, training prescription, and the evaluation of training characteristics.

Effect of contact and no-contact small-sided games on elite handball players

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the effect of contact (C-SSG) and no-contact (NC-SSG) handball small-sided games (SSGs) on motion patterns and physiological responses of elite handball players. Twelve male handball players performed 10 C-SSG and 10 NC-SSG while being monitored through the heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) as physiological responses and time-motion activities profile using video-match analysis. Both game conditions resulted in similar HR responses (P > 0.05), but the NC-SSG led to a higher RPE scores. The time-motion activity analysis featured NC-SSG with a greater amount of walking (855.6 ± 25.1 vs. 690.6 ± 35.2 m) and backward movements (187.5 ± 12.3 vs. 142.5 ± 8.7 m) combined with fast running (232.3 ± 8.5 vs. 159.7 ± 5.7 m) and sprinting (79.5 ± 4.7 vs. 39.7 ± 3.7 m) activities (P < 0.001). Conversely, C-SSG had a higher percentage of jogging and sideway movements associated with greater frequency of jumping (0.87 ± 0.09 vs. 0.31 ± 0.06 nr) and physical contact (1.82 ± 0.55 vs. 0.25 ± 0.03 nr) events (P < 0.001). No between-regimen differences were found for the number of throws (P = 0.745). In addition, the RPE was significantly correlated with fast running relative distances (r = 0.909, P < 0.001) and sprinting relative distances (r = 0.939, P < 0.001). In conclusion, this investigation showed that both C-SSG and NC-SSG in team handball can effectively represent specifically oriented exercises, according to the sport-task and the performance demands.

Influence of warm-up duration and recovery interval prior to exercise on anaerobic performance.

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of different active warm-up (AWU) durations and the rest interval separating it from exercise on anaerobic performance. Eleven male physical education students (22.6 ± 2.52 years; 179.2 ± 4.3 cm; 82.5 ± 9.7 kg; mean ± SD) participated in a cross-over randomized study, and they all underwent the Wingate test after three AWU durations: 5 min (AWU5), 15 min (AWU15) and 20 min (AWU20), with recovery (WREC) or without a recovery interval (NREC) separating the AWU and anaerobic exercise performance. All the AWUs consisted of pedalling at a constant pace of 60 rpm at 50% of the maximal aerobic power. The rest interval between the end of warm-up and the beginning of exercise was set at 5 min. During the Wingate test, peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and the fatigue index (FI) were recorded and analysed. Oral temperature was recorded at rest and at the end of the warm-up. Likewise, rest, post-warm-up and post-Wingate heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during each session. The ANOVA showed a significant effect of recovery interval, warm-up duration and measurement point on RPE scores (P<0.001). Although the effect of AWU duration on MP and PP was significant (P<0.05), the effect of the recovery interval on both parameters was not significant (P>0.05). Moreover, the analyses showed a significant interaction between recovery interval and AWU duration (P<0.001 and P<0.05 for MP and PP respectively). The AWU15 duration improves the MP and PP when associated with a recovery interval prior to exercise of 5 min. However, the AWU5 duration allows better improvement of power output when the exercise is applied immediately after the warm-up. Consequently, physically active males, as well as educators and researchers interested in anaerobic exercise, must take into account the duration of warm-up and the following recovery interval when practising or assessing activities requiring powerful lower limb muscle contractions.

The Training Load of Aerial Skiing

This study quantified the training load experienced by elite aerial skiers. Nine elite female aerial skiers were monitored during 16 training sessions over a 13 day period. Time-motion, landing impact and heart rate (HR) data were measured from 688 jumps using integrated GPS, accelerometer and HR transmitters while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was taken using Borg’s scale. Each jump was delineated into five components from the GPS time-motion data to determine the work to rest ratios. Participants completed 16 ± 3 jumps per session with a work to rest ratio of 1.9:1 Heart rates averaged 65 ± 3.1% HRmax and peaked at 85 ± 4.4% HRmax while and an RPE score of 12 ± 1 was evoked. Landing impacts were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) when participants jumped off ramps with a larger take-off angle or when they completed jumps with a mid-air rotation. The training load experienced by elite aerial skiers may be causative of the high incidence of injuries reported. Significantly differing levels of impact load during the study suggest training load for these athletes can be easily modified and periodised allowing optimised performance and minimised injury.

The Effect of Compression Stockings on Physiological and Psychological Responses after 5-km Performance in Recreationally Active Females.

Treseler, C, Bixby, WR, and Nepocatych, S. The effect of compression stockings on physiological and psychological responses after 5-Km performance in recreationally active females. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1985-1991, 2016-The purpose of the study was to examine the physiological and perceptual responses to wearing below-the-knee compression stockings (CS) after a 5-km running performance in recreationally active women. Nineteen women were recruited to participate in the study (20 ± 1 year, 61.4 ± 5.3 kg, 22.6 ± 3.9% body fat). Each participant completed two 5-km performance time trials with CS or regular socks in a counterbalanced order separated by 1 week. For each session, 5-km time, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), pain pressure threshold, muscle soreness (MS), and rate of perceived recovery were measured. There was no significant difference in average 5-km times between CS and regular socks (p = 0.74) and HR response (p = 0.42). However, significantly higher RPE and lower gain scores (%) for lower extremity MS but not for calf were observed with CS when compared with regular socks (p = 0.05, p = 0.01, and p = 0.3, respectively). Based on the results of this study, there were no significant improvements in average 5-km running time, heart rate, or perceived calf MS. However, participants perceived less MS in lower extremities and working harder with CS compared with regular socks. Compression stockings may not cause significant physiological improvements; however, there might be psychological benefits positively affecting postexercise recovery.

Stair climbing/descending exercise for a short time decreases blood glucose levels after a meal in participants with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveWe examined whether stair climbing–descending exercise (ST-EX), a convenient method to increase physical activity in daily life, for a short period would acutely improve the postprandial blood glucose (BG) response...

A rating of perceived exertion scale using facial expressions for conveying exercise intensity for children and young adults.

To design a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale using facial expressions and assessed the validity of the scale for both children and young adults. Pearson moment-product correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation among heart rate (HR), RPE and pedaling workload. Fifteen children and 15 young adults participated in the study. Each participant randomly performed 5 pedaling tests with one repetition based on their submaximal acceptable workloads. Under each load condition, participants pedaled on a cycle ergometer for 10min; subsequently, participants completed Borg category ratio (CR10) or facial RPE (FRPE) scale assessments. Participants' heart rates (HR) were used to compare their scores on the Borg CR10 and Facial RPE scales. The results show that both Borg CR10 and FRPE scales reflected different pedaling workload levels. For young adults, HR positively correlated with both RPE scores under the various workload levels (r=0.989 and 0.977, all p<0.005); for children, only FRPE scores were positively correlated with HR (r=0.908, p<0.05). In other words, FRPE scores effectively reflected the HR of children, whereas Borg CR10 scores did not. The children may not understand words as effectively as young adults did, however, they understand facial expressions. The FRPE scale proposed in this study may be available in some special cases because it can assess those who cannot comprehend the written words used for the scale.

Relative and absolute reliability of specific kickboxing circuit training protocol in male kickboxers

Summary Objective Kickboxing is a sport that elicits high metabolic and technical demands. The effectiveness of training methods in kickboxers has been assessed using different functional and activity outcome measures. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relative and absolute reliability and the usefulness of a specific kickboxing circuit training protocol (SKCTP) in well-trained kickboxers. Methods Twenty kickboxers participated in the study (mean ± SD): age: 21.3 ± 2.7 years, height: 170 ± 5.0 cm, body mass: 73.9 ± 13.9 kg. The athletes performed the SKCTP twice separated by 7 days. Hormones (cortisol, testosterone, growth hormone [GH]), blood lactate ([La]), blood glucose, were measured at rest and after circuit and delta (Δ) (the difference between rest and after circuit values) was determined. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded after each round (R) and the circuit was video-taped for subsequent technical analysis. Relative reliability was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and absolute reliability with coefficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence interval (MDC95). Results Relative reliability (ICC) for hormonal, physiological parameters and RPE scores ranged from fair to good (0.4–0.8) except for [La] which was poor (ICC 0.90) indicating an excellent agreement from a relative perspective. Absolute reliability expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) was low for delta lactate, glucose rest and after circuit, HR, RPE and technical performances (0.55–9.3%), while it was relatively high for lactate, GH, cortisol and testosterone (15.6–88.4%). SEM was also relatively high for these parameters. However, the SEM was low for glucose values (after circuit, 2.7%), for HR (3.7, 2.8, 2.3, after round 1, 2, and 3 respectively), and for RPE after round 2 (4.8%) and 3 (3.6%). The mean bias ± 95% limits of agreement were acceptable for most of the hormonal and metabolic parameters selected. For kickboxing techniques, bias ± 95% limits of agreement were –2.3 ± 5.6 for punches, 0.9 ± 3.3 for kicks, –0.7 ± 2.4 for punches combinations, and 0.9 ± 3.3 for punches/kicks combinations. The smallest worthwhile changes (SWC) for the punches, kicks, punches combinations and punches/kicks combinations were 7, 3, 2 and 3 respectively, therefore exceeding the SEM and rating the SKCTP as “good”. Conclusion The SKCTP is reproducible in trained kickboxers. It can be used as a training tool that simulates combat kickboxing in terms of its metabolic and technical requirements.