Target Rating Of Perceived Exertion Research Articles

Abstract 10641: Changes in Oxygen Uptake Parameters Across High-Intensity Intervals Prescribed Using Rating of Perceived Exertion in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Introduction: High intensity interval training (HIIT) during early outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) and reduces mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. In a CR setting, prescribing interval intensity using rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is more feasible than using percent of VO 2peak . Additionally, prescribing HIIT with RPE may allow for progressive changes in the VO 2 response throughout a single HIIT session. However, the acute cardiopulmonary responses during individual intervals of HIIT prescribed via RPE in CR are unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that VO 2peak would increase and time-to-peak (TTP) would shorten across high-intensity intervals during a single HITT session prescribed with RPE. Methods: Patients with CAD (N=14; 2 women; 56±9 yrs; 30.46±4.7 kg/m 2 ) referred to CR after an acute coronary event completed a minimum of 25 supervised HIIT sessions during which VO 2 was measured continuously. Each HIIT session included 5 or more (6±1 sessions) 1-minute high intensity intervals (target RPE: 15-17) separated by a 3 to 5-minute low intensity interval (target RPE: <12). The first and last HIIT sessions were used for analysis. VO 2peak was defined as the highest 3-breath averaged VO 2 during or up to 1 minute following each high intensity interval. Results: RPE was 15±2 and 11±2 during the high and low intensity intervals, respectively. Compared to the first HIIT session, VO 2peak was greater during the high intensity intervals of the last HIIT session (25.4±1.5 vs. 21.8±1.1 mL/kg/min; p=0.04). During the first and last HIIT sessions, VO 2peak increased across high intensity intervals (p<0.001). Although TTP was not significantly reduced across intervals during the first HIIT session (p=0.14), TTP was reduced across intervals during the last HIIT session (first interval: 67±19 vs. last interval: 58±9 s; p<0.01). Conclusions: Prescribing HIIT with RPE resulted in increased VO 2peak across high intensity intervals within single HIIT sessions and shortened TTP during high intensity intervals across CR. These findings provide evidence for a priming effect on VO 2peak during HIIT which may contribute to greater cardiopulmonary adaptations in CAD patients.

Rating of perceived exertion – a valid method for monitoring light to vigorous exercise intensity in individuals with subjective and mild cognitive impairment?

ABSTRACTIn rehabilitation settings, exercise intensity is often monitored with Borg’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE). However, previous studies showed that severe cognitive impairment may limit the usability of the RPE. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between RPE and heart rate (HR), and to establish whether a target RPE can be used to achieve exercise intensity based on an individual’s HR-RPE in people with early cognitive impairment. 97 participants (74.7 ± 6 years) with early cognitive impairment completed an incremental exercise test. Of these, 54 were tested during a single, RPE guided exercise session. RPE and HR were monitored throughout. Correlations between HR and RPE were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Mean differences between measured HR and target HR were calculated and compared using a two-way ANOVA with factors cognition and exercise mode. Bland–Altman plots were constructed to analyse the agreement between target and measured HR. HR and RPE correlated moderately with each other (p < 0.001; r = 0.555) and no differences between target and measured HR were observed. Bland–Altman plots revealed a mean difference of 1.2 bpm and a 95% level of agreement was between 24.4 and −22.1 bpm. No differences in rating accuracy were observed between different cognitive impairment levels nor between different exercise modes. Bland–Altman plots revealed some variance between the participants with almost half of them missing target HR by 10bpm or more. Therefore, the RPE should only be applied with caution and, if possible, with other measurements (e.g. heart rate monitors) to ensure that target intensity is reached.

Rating of Perceived Exertion as a Method of Volume Autoregulation Within a Periodized Program.

Helms, ER, Cross, MR, Brown, SR, Storey, A, Cronin, J, and Zourdos, MC. Rating of perceived exertion as a method of volume autoregulation within a periodized program. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1627-1636, 2018-The purpose of this investigation was to observe how a rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-based autoregulation strategy impacted volume performed by powerlifters. Twelve (26 ± 7 years, n = 9 men, n = 3 women) nationally qualified powerlifters performed the back squat, bench press, and deadlift 3x per week on nonconsecutive days in a session order of hypertrophy, power, and then strength; for 3 weeks. Each session subjects performed an initial top set for a prescribed number of repetitions at a target RPE. A second top set was performed if the RPE score was too low, then subsequent back-off sets at a reduced load were performed for the same number of repetitions. When the prescribed RPE was reached or exceeded, sets stopped; known as an "RPE stop." The percentage load reduction for back-off sets changed weekly: there were 2, 4, or 6% RPE stop reductions from the top set. The order in which RPE stop weeks were performed was counterbalanced among subjects. Weekly combined relative volume load (squat + bench press + deadlift), expressed as sets x repetitions x percentage 1-repetition maximum was different between weeks (p < 0.001): 2% = 74.6 ± 22.3; 4% = 88.4 ± 23.8; 6% = 114.4 ± 33.4. Combined weekly bench press volume (hypertrophy + power + strength) was significantly higher in accordance with load reduction magnitude (2% > 4% > 6%; p ≤ 0.05), combined squat volume was greater in 6 vs. 2% (p ≤ 0.05), and combined deadlift volume was greater in 6 vs. 2% and 4% (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, it does seem that volume can be effectively autoregulated using RPE stops as a method to dictate number of sets performed.

RPE vs. Percentage 1RM Loading in Periodized Programs Matched for Sets and Repetitions.

Purpose: To investigate differences between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and percentage one-repetition maximum (1RM) load assignment in resistance-trained males (19–35 years) performing protocols with matched sets and repetitions differentiated by load-assignment.Methods: Participants performed squats then bench press 3x/weeks in a daily undulating format over 8-weeks. Participants were counterbalanced by pre-test 1RM then assigned to percentage 1RM (1RMG, n = 11); load-assignment via percentage 1RMs, or RPE groups (RPEG, n = 10); participant-selected loads to reach target RPE ranges. Ultrasonography determined pre and post-test pectoralis (PMT), and vastus lateralis muscle thickness at 50 (VLMT50) and 70% (VLMT70) femur-length.Results: Bench press (1RMG +9.64 ± 5.36; RPEG + 10.70 ± 3.30 kg), squat (1RMG + 13.91 ± 5.89; RPEG + 17.05 ± 5.44 kg) and their combined-total 1RMs (1RMG + 23.55 ± 10.38; RPEG + 27.75 ± 7.94 kg) increased (p < 0.05) in both groups as did PMT (1RMG + 1.59 ± 1.33; RPEG +1.90 ± 1.91 mm), VLMT50 (1RMG +2.13 ± 1.95; RPEG + 1.85 ± 1.97 mm) and VLMT70 (1RMG + 2.40 ± 2.22; RPEG + 2.31 ± 2.27 mm). Between-group differences were non-significant (p > 0.05). Magnitude-based inferences revealed 79, 57, and 72% chances of mean small effect size (ES) advantages for squat; ES 90% confidence limits (CL) = 0.50 ± 0.63, bench press; ES 90% CL = 0.28 ± 0.73, and combined-total; ES 90% CL = 0.48 ± 0.68 respectively, in RPEG. There were 4, 14, and 6% chances 1RMG had a strength advantage of the same magnitude, and 18, 29, and 22% chances, respectively of trivial differences between groups.Conclusions: Both loading-types are effective. However, RPE-based loading may provide a small 1RM strength advantage in a majority of individuals.

Intensity selection and regulation using the OMNI scale of perceived exertion during intermittent exercise

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if subjects can self-regulate exercise intensity during intermittent exercise by using ratings of perceived exertion. Thirty-one subjects completed an estimation trial maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT). Using the oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from the GXT, target RPEs that corresponded to 50% and 70% of oxygen uptake reserve were determined. During the subsequent 20 min production trial, subjects titrated treadmill speed and grade to elicit the target RPEs that were presented in 2 counterbalanced orders (counterbalance order I (70%-50% of oxygen uptake reserve) or counterbalance order II (50%-70% of oxygen uptake reserve)). Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake were higher in the production trial compared with the estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.001) at an RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR and oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trial for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). HR was higher in the production trial compared with estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.05) at an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR between the estimation and production trials for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). At an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve, there was no difference in the oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trials (p < 0.05). A difference in HR (p < 0.05) and oxygen uptake (p < 0.05) between the 2 prescribed production trial intensities was indicated. The subjects were able to utilize RPE to self-regulate intensity during 20 min of exercise at varying intensity when beginning with the target RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve.

Exercise intensity self‐regulation using the OMNI scale in children with cystic fibrosis

Prescribing exercise at intensities that improve fitness is difficult in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) due to ventilatory limitations and fluctuating health status. Our aim was to determine if children with CF could regulate the intensity of cycle ergometer and treadmill exercise using target ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) derived from the Children's OMNI Scale. We examined prescription congruence (similar oxygen consumption [VO₂] and heart rate [HR] for target RPE) and intensity discrimination (different VO₂ and HR for different RPEs), from cycle to cycle and cycle to treadmill. Subjects were 24 children (12 male, 12 female), aged 10-17 years with varying disease severity. Each child participated in one orientation, one estimation trial (graded maximal exercise test), and two production trials (cycle and treadmill, alternating between RPE 4 and 7). At RPE 4, congruence was evident for both VO₂ and HR on the treadmill. On the cycle at RPE 4, VO₂ was significantly higher only in the first production trial, although HRs tended to be higher in the production trials than the estimation trial. Prescription congruence was also supported at RPE 7, with no significant differences in VO₂ or HR between estimation and production trials on cycle or treadmill. Results fully supported intensity discrimination, with significant differences between VO₂ and HR at RPE 4 and 7 (P < 0.0001). Children with CF appear capable of using the OMNI Scale to regulate cycle and treadmill exercise intensity. Training using this methodology has the potential to promote fitness in children with CF of varying severity.

Effect Of Teleoanticipation On Intensity Self-regulation Error During Cycle Exercise In Females

A teleoanticipation practice trial is hypothesized to reduce exercise intensity self-regulation error. Self-regulation error occurs when a prescribed oxygen consumption (VO2) is not attained. In addition to teleoanticipation, cognitive feedback (CF) provides guidance in subjectively adjusting exercise intensity to produce a Target rating of perceived exertion (RPE), further reducing self-regulation errors. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of teleoanticipation with and without CF on intensity self-regulation error during cycle exercise in females. METHODS:: Thirty-one recreationally-active females (mean age: 21.6±3.1 yrs; mean VO2peak: 35.5±4.8 mL·kg-1·-1) were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (N = 13) and Group 2 (N = 9) completed four separate exercise trials presented in the following order: 1) Estimation, 2) Just Noticeable Difference (JND), 3) Calibration (Teleoanticipation), 4) Production. Calibration and Production trials were 21 minutes with subjects instructed to regulate intensity to produce a target RPE of 5 (OMNI 0-10 Scale). During the Calibration, CF was provided to Group 1 but not to Group 2. Group 3 (Control; N = 9) completed the Estimation, JND and Production trials. The VO2 analog of each subject's perceived exertion JND was used to identify self-regulation error, i.e. VO2 above or below the JND-VO2 range. The unsigned value was then calculated as the total mean error (ΔVO2; L·min-1). RESULTS: Total mean error for responses across the Production trial was: With CF = 0.09±0.014; Without CF = 0.17±0.017; Control = 0.11±0.017. The "error" was: a) lower for With CF than Without CF (p<0.05); b) lower for Control than Without CF (p<0.05); c) equal between With CF and Control. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the female cohort contrasted from a previous investigation involving male subjects. However, similar general conclusions were derived for the female subjects. A teleoanticipation calibration trial with cognitive feedback improved ability to self-regulate intensity at a target RPE of 5 during 21 minutes of cycle exercise. The self-regulation error was similar between the With CF and Control group. For young females, self-regulation practice may be all that is required to produce a Target RPE during cycling.

Evaluation of Anticipation Bias for RPE During A Cycle Ergometer Perceptual Production Protocol

Anticipation bias (AB) may occur during perceptual production (self-regulated) exercise protocols if an individual uses a previously produced target rating of perceived exertion (RPE) as a cognitive reference to influence the production of subsequent target RPE's. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate AB for RPE during a load incremented cycle ergometer perceptual production protocol in men. METHODS: Twenty-two college age (20.3 ± 1.3 yrs), recreationally active males completed both a load-incremented (LI) and intermittent (I) cycle ergometer perceptual production protocol in counterbalanced order. The I protocol served as the criterion measure in order to evaluate AB in the LI protocol. Both protocols consisted of three, 4 minute stages and required self-regulation of exercise intensity in order to produce target RPE's of 3, 5, and 7 on the Adult OMNI-RPE Scale. The I protocol required subjects to self-regulate exercise intensity to produce target RPE's of 3, 5, and 7 in a counterbalanced order with 5 minute recovery periods between each production stage. VO2, HR and power output (PO) were measured during the last minute of each target RPE stage. RESULTS: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for VO2, HR, and PO between the LI and I cycle ergometer perceptual production protocols at target RPE's of 3, 5, and 7. CONCLUSIONS: The use of RPE to self-regulate exercise intensity is not influenced by anticipation bias during load-incremented cycle ergometer production protocols in recreationally active men. Furthermore, these results are in agreement with previous research that demonstrated an absence of anticipation bias during perceptual production protocols in young women (Fonzi, et al. 2007).Table: Caption not available

Perceived Effort Step-up Procedure for Self-Regulating Stationary Cycle Exercise Intensity by Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

This study examined the strategy utilized by patients with cardiovascular disease to regulate exercise intensity using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and tested if a step-up procedure would reduce overshoot of target heart rate (HR). Also the study investigated if Prescription Congruence and Intensity Discrimination, components of the Intensity Self-regulation Model, could be validated for these patients. An estimation and production paradigm was used. HR was measured at 2-min. intervals during 6-min. stationary cycle ergometer exercise trials. Data for four experimental trials were compared: (1) a work intensity set by experimenter to achieve a target RPE of 11 (Estimation 11), (2) an intensity set by experimenter to achieve a target RPE of 13 (Estimation 13), (3) an intensity varied by participant every 2 min. to produce a target RPE of 13 (Production 13), and (4) a Step-up Procedure with the intensity varied by participant, first producing a target RPE of 11 during the first 2 min., followed by producing a target RPE of 13 from min. 2 to 6 of exercise (Production 11 + 13). A very small effect size was found for HR between Production 13 and Estimation 13, and a moderate effect size was noted for the increased HR when patients produced a target RPE of 13 as compared to 11. The participants could be divided into 2 groups: 10 patients comprised a Higher group whose HR at 2 min. during Production 13 was greater than HR at 2 min. during Estimation 13, and 6 patients in a Lower group with HR at 2 min. during Production 13 less than or equal to HR during Estimation 13. A large effect size was found at 6 min. for the reductions of the Higher group's HR overshoot and for the Lower group's HR undershoot during Production 13. All participants in the Higher group (n=10) had a clinically significant HR overshoot of 5 beats x min.(-1) at 2 min. during Production 13. Using a Step-up Procedure (Production 11 + 13), a large effect size was found for the reduced number of patients (n=3) with an overshoot of 5 beats x min.(-1) at 2 min. This supports the ability of participants in cardiac rehabilitation programs to meet the Prescription Congruence and Intensity Discrimination components of the Intensity Self-regulation Model in the RPE 11-13 zone. Evidence was found for overshoot/undershoot of target HR at 2 min., supporting a proposed third component, Production Strategy, of the Intensity Self-regulation Model. The 2-min. Step-up Procedure reduced some patients' tendency to "overshoot" target intensity.

Using RPE to Regulate Exercise Intensity during a 20-Week Training Program for Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

Feelings of effort sense quantified via the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale have been validated for regulating exercise intensity. Most studies validating RPE for exercise prescription have used young, male subjects and only a few exercise sessions. As part of a larger study we examined the accuracy of RPE for regulating exercise intensity in a group of postmenopausal women. Six women (70.0+/-7.1 yr.) were given a maximal graded exercise test. Target RPEs equivalent to 40%, 50% and 60% VO2 max were developed from this test using standard techniques. These RPEs were used to regulate intensity during a 20-wk. training program. During the initial 5 wk. of training target intensity was increased from 40% to 60% VO2 max and exercise duration from 15 to 30 min. Accuracy of exercise intensity regulation was determined by comparing the heart rate during exercise to a target heart rate equivalent to the desired %VO2 max. At Week 2 of training (target 40% VO2 max) the mean intensity produced did not differ from target. During Weeks 4 (target 50% VO2 max), 6 and 10 of training (target 60% VO2 max) the mean exercise intensity was below target. At Week 20 the mean intensity produced was not different from target. This suggests that elderly women can accurately use RPE to regulate exercise intensity, but at intensities above 40% VO2 max an acclimation period is needed.

THE REGULATION OF EXERCISE INTENSITY USING RATINGS OF PERCEIVED EXERTION DURING VISUAL PASSIVE DISTRACTION

264 The purpose of this investigation was to determine if visual passive distraction altered the ability to regulate exercise intensity when using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during a 30 min treadmill run. Ten trained females performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill to determine maximal aerobic power and RPE (Target RPE), oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and running velocity (RV) at the 2.5 mmol·L−1 blood lactate concentration ([La−]). Subjects then used the Target RPE to regulate exercise intensity during a control condition (Cont), and two treatment runs with passive visual distractions. During the treatment sessions, the subjects ran on the treadmill while viewing a high action (High) or a low action (Low) video with no audio. Subjects were allowed to adjust the treadmill speed throughout the run in order to maintain the Target RPE. However, subjects were not allowed to view the speed setting. There were no significant differences in [La−] among the conditions for the CONT, LOW, HIGH, or GXT (p<0.05). No significant differences in VO2 or RV were found within or among the 30 min treatment runs the GXT. HR at 5 min of exercise during CONT (158.1±2.74), LOW (157.8±2.58), and HIGH (158.6±2.31) was significantly lower than the GXT (169.4±2.82). Based on the data collected, visual passive distraction did not alter these female's ability to regulate intensity using RPE during a 30 min treadmill run.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF USING RPE TO REGULATE INTENSITY DURING WALKING IN 30-70 Y OLD FEMALES

179 The purpose of this investigation was to determine the validity and reliability, of regulating exercise intensity by using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during walking exercise. Subjects self-adjusted their exercise intensity to reproduce a target RPE. Forty subjects: 30-39 y (n=10), 40-49 y(n=10), 50-59 y (n=10), and 60-69 y (n=10) performed three exercise trials. In the estimation trial (E) subjects walked for 5 min at intensities of 93.8 m·min-1 (LOW) and 107.2 m·min-1 (HIGH) in a randomized order, giving their RPE during the last minute of exercise. During the two production trials (P1 and P2), subjects self-adjusted the treadmill speed to find the intensity that matched the RPE levels felt during E. P1 occurred 15 min after E, while P2 occurred 2 to 7 days later. Heart rate (HR) oxygen consumption (VO2) and treadmill speed were recorded during each trial. A three-way (age × trial × intensity) ANOVA with appropriate post hoc tests were used to identify mean differences with p ≤ 0.05. The validity (E vs P1) and reliability (P1 vs P2) of using RPE was compared across the four age-groups and two levels of intensity. There were no significant differences in E vs P1 for HR, VO2, and treadmill speed indicating that using RPE is valid in short term situations. For P1 vs P2 there were significant differences found for all subjects at combined intensities for VO2 (P1 15.5 ± 2.1 and P2 14.8 ± 2.1 ml kg-1·min-1), HR (P1 121 ± 17 and P2 114 ± 17 b·min-1), and treadmill speed (P1 101.9 ± 5.8 and P2 99.5 ± 7.5 m·min-1). Although all dependent variables tested for reliability (P1 vs P2) indicated statistical significance, the differences were small and may not be physiologically meaningful. The data indicate that RPE can be used to accurately regulate exercise intensity at both walking speeds among active female adults 30-70 years of age.

Three-point method of prescribing exercise with ratings of perceived exertion is valid for cardiac patients.

It is often difficult to use heart rate to prescribe exercise for cardiac patients due to the effects of medications and procedures such as cardiac transplantation. Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is the preferred method of regulating exercise intensity in these situations. An RPE-based exercise prescription has previously depended on perceptual data from a maximal Graded Exercise Test (GXT). Recently, using 13 healthy subjects, we validated a Three-point RPE for prescribing exercise using RPE which can be used when ratings from a GXT are not available Currently, we examined the accuracy of this method for developing target RPEs for patients in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Such target RPEs did not differ from those obtained using standard procedures. We conclude that the Three-point Method is valid for preparing RPE-based exercise prescriptions for Phase II cardiac rehabilitation patients.

The slope method for prescribing exercise with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE).

The Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion scale (RPE) has been shown to be a valuable tool for prescribing exercise; however, use of RPE-based exercise prescriptions in field settings has often been problematic because RPE data derived from maximal exercise testing are needed. We describe a simple method for obtaining target RPEs for exercise training from submaximal exercise data. Target RPEs for 50%, 60%, 70%, and 85% VO2 peak exercise intensities obtained using the new method did not differ significantly from those obtained using data from a maximal graded exercise test. The mean difference was less than one RPE unit and was not significant (p < .05). Therefore, the Slope Method appears to be valid for developing RPE-based exercise prescriptions.

The validity of regulating exercise intensity by ratings of perceived exertion

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the regulation of exercise intensity by using Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE). The RPE equivalent to 50% and 70% VO2max was estimated by using standard clinical protocols on a treadmill and cycle ergometer. Subjects then produced the target RPEs on these modalities. Physiological validity of perceptually regulated exercise intensity was determined by comparing VO2 and heart rate between estimation and production trials at the same relative intensity. With one exception, RPE was found to be a valid means of regulating exercise intensity both intra- and intermodally at 50% and 70% VO2max. Perceptual regulation of intramodal treadmill exercise was not valid at 70% VO2max in that both VO2 and heart rate were significantly lower during production than estimation. The present results also indicate that target RPE estimated during a cycle ergometer graded exercise test is more accurate for regulating exercise intensity than when the target RPE is estimated during a treadmill test. The lower accuracy found for treadmill production at the higher exercise intensity may have been caused by the use of a test protocol during the estimation trial that included relatively slow speeds and large inclines. In general, RPE provide a physiologically valid method of regulating exercise intensity.