Perceived Exertion Research Articles

Combined Accentuated Eccentric Loading and Rest Redistribution in High-Volume Back Squat: Acute Stimulus and Fatigue.

Chae, S, Long, SA, Lis, RP, McDowell, KW, Wagle, JP, Carroll, KM, Mizuguchi, S, and Stone, MH. Combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution in high-volume back squat: Acute stimulus and fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 648-655, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine acute stimulus and fatigue responses to combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution (AEL + RR). Resistance-trained men ( n = 12, 25.6 ± 4.4 years, 1.77 ± 0.06 m, and 81.7 ± 11.4 kg) completed a back squat (BS) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and weight releaser familiarization session. Three BS exercise conditions (sets × repetitions × eccentric-concentric loading) consisted of (a) 3 × (5 × 2) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 5), (b) 3 × (2 × 5) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 2), and (c) 3 × 10 × 60/60% 1RM (traditional sets [TS]). Weight releasers (50% 1RM) were attached to every first repetition of each cluster set (every first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth repetition in AEL + RR 5 and every first and sixth repetition in AEL + RR 2). The AEL + RR 5 resulted in greater total volume load (sets × repetitions × eccentric + concentric loading) (6,630 ± 1,210 kg) when compared with AEL + RR 2 (5,944 ± 1,085 kg) and TS (5,487 ± 1,002 kg). In addition, AEL + RR 5 led to significantly ( p < 0.05) greater rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after set 2 and set 3 and lower blood lactate (BL) after set 3 and 5, 15, and 25 minutes postexercise than AEL + RR 2 and TS. There was a main effect of condition for BL between AEL + RR 5 (5.11 ± 2.90 mmol·L -1 ), AEL + RR 2 (6.23 ± 3.22 mmol·L -1 ), and TS (6.15 ± 3.17 mmol·L -1 ). In summary, AEL + RR 5 results in unique stimulus and fatigue responses. Although it may increase perceived exertion, coaches could use AEL + RR 5 to achieve greater back squat total volume load while reducing BL accumulation.

Monitoring the recovery-stress states of athletes: Psychometric properties of the acute recovery and stress scale and short recovery stress scale among Dutch and Flemish athletes

ABSTRACT The Acute Recovery and Stress Scale (ARSS) and the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) are recently-introduced instruments to monitor recovery and stress processes in athletes. In this study, our aims were to replicate and extend previous psychometric assessments of the instruments, by incorporating recovery and stress dimensions into one model. Therefore, we conducted five confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and determined structural validity, internal consistency, and construct validity. Dutch and Flemish athletes (N = 385, 213 females, 170 males, 2 others, 21.03 ± 5.44 years) completed the translated ARSS and SRSS, the Recovery Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-76), the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Total Quality of Recovery (TQR). There was a good model fit for the replicated CFA, sub-optimal model fit for the models that incorporated recovery and stress into one model, and satisfactory internal consistency (α=.75 – .87). The correlations within and between the ARSS and SRSS, as well as between the ARSS/SRSS and the RESTQ-Sport-76 (r = .31 – -.77 for the ARSS, r = .28 – -.63 for the SRSS), the RPE (r = .19 – -.23), and the TQR (r = .63 – -.63) also supported construct validity. The combined findings support the use of the ARSS and SRSS to assess stress and recovery in sports-related research and practice.

Higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery following a graded exercise test during menses compared to non-bleeding days in untrained females.

The underrepresentation of the female population in exercise sciences could be attributed, at least in part, to difficulty in appropriately accounting for the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC). Previous studies examining the effects of the MC on aerobic performance and subjective measures of aerobic performance show conflicting results. Purpose: The study examined how the MC affects the objective and subjective measures of aerobic performance within untrained female participants and in comparison with untrained male participants assessed at similar time intervals. Methods: Twenty-one participants (12 females and 9 males) completed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a cycle ergometer. The female participants were tested during their early follicular (EF; menses), ovulatory (O), and mid-luteal (ML) phases of the MC. The male participants were included as the control group and were randomly assigned to a menstrual cycle phase for each visit. During GXT, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Twenty-four hours post-exercise, the perceived recovery status (PRS) was assessed. The MC phase was estimated using basal body temperature (BBT) in the female participants. Results: The male participants obtained a higher peak power and VO2max compared to the female participants (p < 0.05). All objective measures of aerobic performance did not significantly differ across the MC phases or time points that were tested. In the untrained female participants, an effect of the MC phase on RPE was found, with RPE being higher at EF (8.92 ± 0.79) compared to O (7.67 ± 1.23; p < 0.05) and ML (7.75 ± 1.06; p < 0.05). In addition, an effect of the MC phase on PRS was found, with perceived recovery being lower at EF (6.83 ± 0.94) compared to O (8.83 ± 1.12) and ML (8.67 ± 0.65; all p < 0.005) for the untrained female participants. No significant differences in RPE and PRS were found between tests in the untrained male participants. The female participants had lower perceived recovery following EF (6.83 ± 0.94) compared with the male participants (9.00 ± 1.00; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The untrained female participants perceived greater exertion during GXT and impaired recovery following GXT in EF compared to O and ML. These results may be attributed to either a drop in female sex hormone concentrations or discomfort associated with menses. The male participants did not exhibit any changes over time. Future studies using subjective parameters such as perceived exertion to track the internal load of training in the naturally menstruating female population should consider menses.

To Analyze Pilates’ Impact on the Childbirth Process and its Results in Pregnant Females : Observational Study

Background: Pilates Method as been a popular background for almost a century and is now used worldwide as a form of fitness and holistic health because it can be tailored to individual needs and fitness levels. Lucia first advised mat exercises performed on the floor, adapting them to individual physical and temporal constraints without compromising the wider element. He later labeled a series of specialized devices, including springs and rollers, that provide resistance to develop divergent movement patterns.13Performing exercise with medium intensity has positive effects on the maternal health. The goal of obstetriccare is to provide the right conditions for a safe delivery and make it a pleasant experience. Labor pain is anunavoidable component ofchild birth whose proper management, despite the great advances in midwifery, is still one of the major challenges related to women’s health. Pregnant women should also be clinically evaluated before starting exercise to ensure there is no medical reason to stop exercising.Methods:Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15 people in each group. In the intervention group,a Pilates exercise program was developed in collaboration with a Pilates trainer. The program was tailored to the susceptibility of pregnant women and was administered twice weekly for 8 weeks.Four tools were used in this study, including a two-part checklist, the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE),the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the McKee Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale. A two-section checklist was used in this study to collect the required information.Conclusion:, According to the results of this study, Pilates exercise during pregnancy is a safe method to reduce the length of the active phase and second stage of labor, reducelabor pain, and increase maternal satisfaction with the child birth process. However, Pilates exercise did not significantlyreduce the need to episiotomy and caesarean section.

The six minute walk test in healthy young women

ObjectivesThe Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses functional capacity. We determined the reference range distance walked, heart rate change, and breathlessness in healthy women. DesignProspective observational study. Methods100 nulliparous women aged 18–40 performed two 6MWTs, with the second performed after heart rate returned to baseline. Borg scales compared expected and true breathlessness. ResultsReference range was 472–758 ​m, with distance mean (SD) of 615 (73.0) metres. Heart rate increase during exercise was 11 (11.8) beats per minute, recovering to baseline in 4.5 (3.9) minutes. 63 ​% of women overestimated breathlessness. ConclusionsThese data represent reference values for functional evaluation of healthy young women.

Isolated but not combined ergogenic effects of caffeine and L-arginine during an isokinetic knee extension.

The use of single supplements as ergogenic aids to enhance performance in strength-oriented sports is widespread among athletes (74%). The aim of this study was to increase knowledge about the combined effects of caffeine and L-arginine dietary supplements on performance. In this double-blind, randomized and counterbalanced crossover study, 29 participants (age: 23.2 ± 3.6 yr.; height: 181.0 ± 7.6 cm; weight: 77.0 ± 8.8 kg) each underwent six trials. In each trial performance tests were conducted to examine the effects of the supplement combinations on maximum (NmMax) and averaged torque (NmM), maximum (JMax) and averaged work (JM), the blockwise mean values of torque and work, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during an isokinetic leg extension task (90°·s-1) with the right leg for two sets of 40 repetitions and a set rest of 3 min on a dynamometer. The first and second trials were used to familiarize the participants with the movements in the dynamometer and no supplements were taken. After this 2-week pre-test trial, the supplement combinations of placebo/placebo, caffeine/placebo (5 mg·kg-1), L-arginine/placebo (0.15 g·kg-1), and caffeine/L-arginine (5 mg·kg-1 + 0.15 g·kg-1) were ingested. The main finding of this study is the absence of an ergogenic effect of the combined supplements caffeine and L-arginine during voluntary maximal isokinetic leg extensions, although an increase of 3.5% was noted for Nmmax compared to the placebo trial. However, the administration of caffeine was able to increase the NmMax of the quadriceps femoris muscle about 5.1% (p = 0.043). In addition, caffeine (4.2%, p = 0.026) and also L-arginine (4.2%, p = 0.040) significantly increased NmM over a complete set. No single or combined supplement had an effect on muscle fatigue looking at the blockwise mean values of torque and work or RPE (all p > 0.05). The combination of caffeine and L-arginine was not superior to the isolated intake of both supplements in a strength-based exercise and a synergistic effect was absent.

A One Session Gait Retraining Protocol with Metronome Augmentation Increases Cadence in Novice and Recreational Runners.

Running is a common leisure physical activity that carries a risk for running related injury (RRI). Non-experienced runners are more likely to sustain RRIs. One form of gait retraining focuses on increasing cadence to improve running biomechanics related to RRI. Protocols for increasing cadence must be pragmatic to be implemented into clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine if a pragmatic protocol including one instructional session, followed by independent gait retraining with metronome augmentation resulted in increased cadence and altered biomechanics in novice and recreational runners. Randomized Controlled Trial. Thirty-three novice or recreational adult runners completed a 12 Minute Cooper Run on an indoor track. Variables measured during the 12 Minute Cooper Run included distance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and 3-D biomechanics using inertial measurement units (IMUs). After baseline testing, the intervention group received instruction and five minutes of gait retraining at a cadence set 5-10% higher than baseline with metronome augmentation (Pro Metronome- Tempo, Beat; by Xiao Yixiang). They then ran two to three times a week for two weeks up to 30 minutes per session with the metronome set at the new cadence. After two weeks, repeat testing using the same protocol was completed. A Mann-Whitney U test analyzed differences between groups. Cadence at one minute (p = 0.037) and average cadence over the entire run (p=0.002) increased in the intervention group only with a large effect size (Cohens d = 0.837). No other group differences were found. A pragmatic gait retraining protocol with metronome augmentation including one instructional and four to six independent sessions over a two-week duration increased cadence without negative effects on HR, RPE, distance. Biomechanics did not change with this intervention. Further research with pragmatic gait retraining protocols that increase cadence are needed with larger sample sizes, repeated measures over time, across runners of various abilities and experience levels. Level 2.

Yohimbine Ingestion Mitigates Morning-Associated Decrements in High-Intensity Exercise Performance

Exercise performance tends to suffer during the morning compared to the evening, which may decrease potential training adaptations. Currently, it is unclear how nutritional interventions may affect this phenomenon and whether supplementation may allow for the attainment of optimal performance regardless of the time of day. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute yohimbine ingestion on morning-associated decrements in performance and psychophysiological responses to exercise. Physically active females (n = 16) were recruited to participate in three total visits, each with a different treatment: (1) placebo-morning (PL-AM), (2) yohimbine-morning (YHM-AM; oral 2.5 mg), and (3) placebo-afternoon (PM). The morning and afternoon visits occurred between 7:00–8:00 h and 16:00–17:00 h, respectively. The experimental treatments in the morning were ingested 20 min prior to capillary blood collection, which was completed pre- and post-exercise. Following a warm-up, participants completed a 2000 m time trial on a rowing ergometer. Power output, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every minute. Time to competition (TTC) and subjective energy, focus, and alertness were documented post-exercise. Pre- and post-exercise blood lactate (La) and plasma hypoxanthine (HX) levels were also assessed. The trials were separated by a 48 h washout period. The results showed that power output (p = 0.010) was lower and TTC (p = 0.003) was significantly slower with PL-AM compared to PM. Furthermore, YHM-AM resulted in higher power output (p = 0.035) and faster TTC (p = 0.007) compared to PL-AM, with no differences compared to PM (p &gt; 0.05). Post-exercise La was significantly lower with YHM-AM compared to PL-AM (p = 0.046) and PM (p = 0.001). Pre-exercise plasma HX, as measured via conversion to xanthine, was significantly higher with PM (p = 0.039), while the levels trended higher with YHM-AM (p = 0.060) compared to PL-AM. Subjective energy was higher with YHM-AM (p = 0.045) and PM (p = 0.009) compared to PL-AM, while alertness was only higher for YHM-AM compared to PL-AM (p = 0.045). No statistical differences between the treatments were found for RPE or HR (p &gt; 0.05). These findings indicate that YHM ingestion attenuates performance decrements in the morning. Improvements in performance may be underpinned by improved feelings of energy and alterations in metabolism. Practically, YHM may represent an effective ergogenic aid to combat a lack of energy and low performance during the morning.

The effects of sustained, low- and high-intensity isometric tasks on performance fatigability and the perceived responses that contributed to task termination.

The present study examined the effects of sustained, isometric low- versus high-intensity tasks on time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and the perceived causes of task termination from a post-test questionnaire (PTQ). Ten men (mean ± SD: age = 21.1 ± 2.3 years; height = 180.2 ± 5.7 cm; body mass = 79.5 ± 8.8 kg) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before and after fatiguing, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to the torque corresponding to RPE values of 2 (TRQ2FT = 23.8 ± 7.1 N·m) and 8 (TRQ8FT = 60.9 ± 11.4 N·m). In addition, the subjects completed a PTQ which surveyed whether the perceived sensations of fatigue or pain, and/or the psychological factors of loss of focus and motivation contributed to the decision to terminate the task. Repeated measures ANOVAs, Wilcoxon-Signed Rank tests, and Spearman's Rank-Order Correlations were used to analyze the data. Across the fatiguing tasks, there were similar decreases in MVIC torque (95.2 ± 20.3 vs. 68.9 ± 15.6 N·m; p < 0.001) and RPE values (p = 0.122) at task failure for TRQ2FT (7.4 ± 2.7) and TRQ8FT (8.9 ± 1.0), but a longer (p = 0.005) TTF for the TRQ2FT (245.0 ± 177.0 s) than TRQ8FT (36.8 ± 11.1 s). Despite reaching task failure, the subjects were able to perform MVICs that were 100-300% greater than the target torque values within seconds of terminating the tasks. Thus, we hypothesized that task failure was not caused by an inability to produce sufficient torque to sustain the tasks, but rather an unwillingness to continue the task.

Validation and Calibration for Embedding Rating of Perceived Exertion Into High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Adolescents: A Lab-Based Study

Purpose: Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a convenient and cost-effective tool that can be used to monitor high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). However, no methodological study has demonstrated the validity of RPE in this context. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate and calibrate RPE for monitoring HIIE in adolescents. Methods: RPE, heart rate (HR), and oxygen uptake () data were retrospectively extracted from 3 lab-based crossover studies, with a pooled sample size of 45 adolescents, performing either cycling-based or running-based HIIE sessions. Within-participant correlations were calculated for RPE-HR and RPE-, and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to establish RPE cut points. Results: The results showed that RPE-HR demonstrated acceptable criterion validity (r = .53–.74, P &lt; .01), while RPE- had poor validity (r = .40–.48, P &lt; .01), except for HIIE at 100% peak power (r = .59, P &lt; .01). RPE cut points of 4 and 5 were established in corresponding to based thresholds. Conclusion: RPE has some utility in evaluating intensity during lab-based running or cycling HIIE in adolescents. Future studies should expand the validation and calibration of RPE for prescribing and monitoring HIIE in children and adolescents in field-based contexts.

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.

Rating of Perceived Exertion Associated With Acute Symptoms in Athletes With Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Athletes With Acute Respiratory InfEction (AWARE) VI Study.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect the exercise response in athletes. Factors associated with the exercise response have not been reported. To (1) describe heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses to exercise in athletes with a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection and (2) identify factors affecting exercise responses. Cross-sectional, experimental study. Male and female athletes (age = 24.2 ± 6.3 years) with a recent (<28 days) SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 72). A COVID-19 Recovery Clinic for athletes. Heart rate, SBP, and RPE were measured during submaximal exercise (modified Bruce protocol) at 10 to 28 days after SARS-CoV-2 symptom onset. Selected factors (demographics, sport, comorbidities, preinfection training variables, and symptoms during the acute phase of the infection) affecting the exercise response were analyzed using random coefficient (linear mixed) models. Heart rate, SBP, and RPE increased progressively from rest to stage 5 of the exercise test (P = .0001). At stage 5 (10.1 metabolic equivalents), a higher HR and a higher SBP during exercise were associated with younger age (P = .0007) and increased body mass index (BMI; P = .009), respectively. Higher RPE during exercise was significantly associated with a greater number of whole-body (P = .006) and total number (P = .004) of symptoms during the acute phase of infection. A greater number of symptoms during the acute infection was associated with a higher RPE during exercise in athletes at 10 to 28 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We recommend measuring RPE during the first exercise challenge after infection, as this may indicate disease severity and be valuable for tracking progress, recovery, and return to sport.

Comparing the Physiological Responses to the 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Treadmill Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test.

Purpose: To compare physiological responses during a treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go test (TUGT) in individuals referred for unexplained breathlessness and symptom limited treadmill exercise testing. Methods: Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), minute ventilation (V̇E), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout each test. Results: Each test demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the cardiopulmonary (V̇O2, V̇CO2 and V̇E, RPE, SBP, and HR) and perceptual (RPE) responses from rest to end exercise. The increase in cardiopulmonary and perceptual responses was greatest for the CPX with significantly smaller responses demonstrated during the 6MWT (p < 0.01) and even smaller responses for the TUGT (p < 0.01 vs CPX and 6MWT). Conclusion: Not surprisingly, the treadmill CPX results is the greatest physiological response in our group. Despite being of short duration, the TUGT results in an increased physiological response.

Optimal dose of vigorous physical activity on cardiorespiratory and perceptual response for sedentary youths using internal load monitoring.

Vigorous physical activity (VPA) has been demonstrated to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in sedentary college students more effectively than other PA. However, differences in training volume may affect this outcome. This study examines the physiological, psychological, and internal training load (ITL) characteristics of VPA with varying volumes in a single session. Thirty sedentary college students were divided into three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint interval training (SIT), and threshold training (THR). PA process was monitored. The study measured various cardiorespiratory parameters, including heart rate (HR), respiratory waveform and amplitude, respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation volume (VE), fractional concentration of oxygen in end-tidal gas (O2%), fractional concentration of end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2%), global oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide discharge (VCO2), and the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. The following physiological indicators were measured: carbon dioxide discharge (VCO2), Oxygen pulse (OP), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Additionally, subjective perception indicators were recorded, including the feeling scale (FS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and dual-mode model (DMM). The session-RPE (s-RPE) and Edward's TRIMP were used to measure ITL. There were no significant differences in HR across the three conditions. THR had the highest level of TV (p = 0.043), but RR was significantly lower than that of HIIT and SIT (p < 0.01). HIIT had the highest levels of VO2, VCO2, O2%, and OP (p < 0.05). RPE was higher in HIIT and SIT compared to THR (p < 0.01), but the difference in FS was not significant. The DMM time-domain trajectories were similar in HIIT and THR. The correlation between exercise intensity, RPE, and FS was highest in THR group (r = 0.453, r = -0.58, r = -0.885). ITL did not show a significant difference between three conditions, but TRIMP and s-RPE readings were opposite in magnitude. This study proposes that using an appropriate amount of THR to foster interest and adaptive strength during the PA habit establishment period, incorporating HIIT to enhance exercise efficiency during the adaptation period, and implementing SIT to reduce the monotony may effectively enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness of sedentary college students and establish PA habit.

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.

The effects of training type and area size variations on the physiological and session rating of perceived exertion responses during male judo matches.

Modified exercise prescription in judo is commonly used to activate the energy systems in different magnitudes. In order to study the physiological and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses according to area sizes (i.e., 4 m × 4 m, 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m) and training mode variations (i.e., groundwork, ne-waza; standing combat only, tachi-waza; and free combat, free randori), eighteen male judo athletes (age: 22.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned, on separate days, to 9 experimental conditions (3 area sizes × 3 training modes) with each condition lasting 4 min. Delta lactate [La] was calculated based on the blood lactate values measured before and after every condition. Heart rate (HR) was measured during and after each bout and RPE recorded at the end of each combat. The results showed that mean and peak HR, percentage of maximum HR (% HRmax), delta [La] values and RPE scores were lower in 4 m × 4 m compared to 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m, and in groundwork training mode compared to standing combat and free randori (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 6 m × 6 m condition induced lower delta [La] values than 8 m × 8 m (p < 0.001) and free randori resulted in higher RPE scores than standing combat (p = 0.001). In conclusion, different training variables can be easily manipulated in a variety of different ways to specifically activate the energetic systems. Focusing on groundwork, the 6 m × 6 m area size was found to be the most suitable condition to induce a higher cardiovascular response, while the standing combat and free randori in 6 m × 6 m resulted in increased glycolytic activation compared to the groundwork condition.

Predictive analysis of ratings of perceived exertion in elite Gaelic football.

This study aimed to compare the predictive accuracy of absolute and relative external load indices (ELI) across three machine learning models, and predict the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of elite Gaelic football players using ELI, personal characteristics, wellness scores, and training workloads. ELI and related variables were collected from 49 elite Gaelic football players over three competitive seasons resulting in 1617 observations. ELI included total distance, high speed running distance (≥ 4.72 m · s-1), and number of accelerations and decelerations (n ± 3 m · s-2), expressed in both absolute and relative terms. Variables related to personal characteristics, wellness scores, and training workloads were also included. Data were analysed using decision tree, random forest (RF), and bootstrap aggregation (BS) models. The RF model had the highest predictive accuracy using absolute and relative ELI only, at 54.3% and 48.3%, respectively. Total and relative distance were the strongest predictors of RPE in the RF model, accounting for 38.8% and 27.9% of the normalised importance. The BS model had the highest accuracy at 67.0% and 65.2% for absolute and relative ELI when performed in conjunction with the related variables, respectively. The current models demonstrate potential to predict RPE and subsequently optimise training load in Gaelic football.

Are physiological, physical, wellness and load decisive markers of starting players? A case study from a professional male soccer team

The study aim was to compare physiological, physical, accumulated wellness and load markers within a European professional soccer team between starters and non-starters. Ten starters (age: 25.1 ± 2.2 years; experience: 7.3 ± 2.3 years) and eight non-starters (age: 26.1 ± 4.6; years’ experience: 8.3 ± 4.1 years) participated in the study. The study was conducted across 20 weeks where 75 training sessions and 15 matches occurred. Wellness (fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, stress and mood) and load (rating of perceived exertion (RPE), accelerations, decelerations, high-speed running and sprinting) measures were observed. Physiological evaluation consisted of a 1200 m maximum effort shuttle test while physical capacity assessment included isokinetic strength, jump ability and balance tests. Isokinetic tests were used to assess peak torque of both legs (extension and flexion at 60◦/s and 180◦/s), single squat jump and single hop jump were utilized to assess jump ability and Y-balance tests were employed to examine balance. Starters presented significantly higher values for peak torque extension of the non-dominant leg compared to non-starters (p = 0.038, effect size (ES) = 0.996), while non-starters showed higher values for both Y-balance postero-medial and postero-lateral (p = 0.009, ES = −1.309 and p = 0.021, ES = −1.133, respectively). Accumulated duration and RPE were lower for non-starters than starters (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 1.268, and p = 0.022, ES = 1.123, respectively). The physiological and physical tests conducted in this study do not seem to determine the starting status of players, considering that only one test revealed significantly higher values for starters. Despite the lower training and match duration for non-starters, this showed that it is possible to accumulate identical load while managing wellness regardless of starting status.

Small-sided-games with coaches' verbal encouragement have a positive effect on aerobic performance, mood state, satisfaction and subjective effort in male semi-professional soccer players

The study aimed to examine the impact of high-intensity Small-Sided Games (SSGs) with coaches’ verbal encouragement (VE) on soccer players’ aerobic performance, mood state, satisfaction and subjective effort. Forty-three semi-professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to three distinct groups: a control group (CG, n = 14), an experimental group with verbal encouragement (EGVE, n = 14), and an experimental group without verbal encouragement (EGNE, n = 15). Participants performed the VAMEVAL aerobic test, Total-Mood-Disorder (TMD), and the Satisfaction Scale for Athletes (SSA) tests before and following the 6-week SGGs program that included ten training sessions. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was collected 5-minutes post-training session. The SGGs program with coaches’ VE showed a significant improvement in maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) and TMD scores (p &lt; 0.05). Except for the SSA scores (p = 0.268), the percentage of change was higher for MAV (p = 0.001; d: 1.36–1.48 (large)) and TMD scores (p = 0.001; d: 1.45–1.48 (large)) in the EGVE group when compared with the other groups (i.e., EGNE and CG). Overall, RPE scores were significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05; d: 0.99–5.00 (large)) in the EGVE group than other groups. The present study highlights the positive effects of integrating SSGs with coaches VE to improve aerobic performance and mental well-being of semi-professional soccer players. Nevertheless, notably the SSA did not exhibit a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, the experimental EGVE group reported elevated RPE, potentially suggesting that SSGs may entail greater physical and mental challenges, yet may yield more sport-specific outcomes for soccer players.

Exercise intensity and reliability during recreational team handball training for 50-77-year-old unexperienced women.

This study analyzed the physiological and physical demands of recreational team handball (RTH) and the training sessions' (matches) intensity variability in 50-77-year-old postmenopausal women (n = 20) without prior experience with the sport. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, time spent in different locomotor categories, accelerations, decelerations, Player Load (PL), game actions and fun levels were evaluated in 245 matches, played indoor (n = 130) or outdoor (n = 115), as small-sided games (3 × 15-min periods). Mean and peak HRs were 79 and 88% of maximal HR (%HRmax), showing reliable values across the training sessions, with time spent in the HR zones showing excellent relative reliability, though poor absolute reliability. Time spent > 80 and > 90%HRmax was 48% and 14% of total match time, respectively. Mean and peak blood lactate values were 2.6 ± 0.8 and 2.9 ± 0.9 mmol · l-1, respectively. RPE was 5.5 ± 1.5, showing good relative though poor absolute reliability, and fun levels were 8.4 ± 1.1 (0-10 scale). Total distance covered was 1878 ± 333 m and the participants spent 54%, 3% and < 1% of total match time walking, fast running and sprinting, respectively. Total PL was 224 ± 41 (AU), with 67% of total match time being spent in low-intensity zones. Participants performed a total of 38 specific high-demanding actions per match, mainly throws (10.6 ± 5.8) and stops (11.0 ± 3.6). RTH training, played as small-sided games, is a high-intensity exercise training mode with high aerobic and anaerobic demands, low RPE and high fun levels for 50-77-year-old women without prior experience with the sport. Average cardiovascular demands were consistent across the training sessions.