Perceived Exertion in Different Strength Exercise Loads in Sedentary, Active, and Trained Adults

Abstract

The aim was to analyze the relationship between the perceived exertion (PE) and different loads in strength exercises (SEs), in sedentary, active, and trained adult subjects. Thirty young men (18-34 years) were divided into 3 groups (experimental group [EG]): sedentary EG (SEG), physically active group (PAG), and the strength trained group (STG). Maximum strength was established using the 1 repetition maximum test (1RM). Using series of 12 repetitions, different loads were applied until the 4 ratings of PE (RPEs) (11, 13, 15, and 17) from 15 category Borg Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE 6-20). The pace of the repetitions and the intervals between the sets were controlled, the loads were blind, the order of the RPE randomized, whereas the PE was localized and determined after completion of the series. Strength correlations between the RPE and the %1RM, according to the EGs and SEs (0.826-0.922, p < 0.001), were observed. Similar behavior was seen in the SEs. Higher loads are related to higher RPEs and are differentiated between the EGs. The STG used higher %1RM when compared to the SEG, whereas the PAG, displayed an intermediary behavior in relation to the other groups. The use of PE represents a reliable instrument for the measurement of intensity in strength training.

The perception of effort is not a valid tool for establishing the strength-training zone

“…In other words, the closer a person gets to doing maximum repetitions, the easier it is to estimate the TZ. Others have also shown that it is easier to perceive effort at the highest intensities (Day et al, 2004;Suminski et al, 1997;Tiggemann et al, 2010). Together, these results support the complexity behind the neurophysiological pathways concerning perception of effort.…”

“…Such empirical comprehension makes sense because maximum number of repetitions are associated with perceived effort. Indeed, as mentioned before, there is a linear or quadratic relationship between intensity and perception of effort (Suminski et al, 1997;Tiggemann et al, 2010). Furthermore, it has been shown that is possible to feel the effort during the first repetitions (Pincivero et al, 2003).…”

“…The high correlation between intensity and perceived exertion (Day, McGuigan, Brice, & Foster, 2004;Tiggemann et al, 2010), even when only two submaximal repetitions are performed (Pincivero, Coelho, & Campy, 2003), lends support to this practical strategy and indicate the plausibility of using perception of exertion to estimate TZ. If perceived exertion proves to be an efficient strategy, certainly it will be more helpful for weaker people, such as those in rehabilitation (Hampton et al, 2014).…”

Differentiation between perceived effort and discomfort during resistance training in older adults:Reliability of trainee ratings of effort and discomfort,and reliability and validity of trainer ratings of trainee effort

“…When examined with reference to increasing load prior work is contrasting as to whether differences in RPE exist between trained and untrained persons. 42,43 However, again it seems that any difference that might exist becomes less meaningful as trainees approach MF 18 . This suggests that the scales examined here might be suitable for use in young and old, male and female, and trained and untrained populations, when RT is performed near to or at MF.…”

Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantification of the Intensity of Resistance Exercise

“…Physicians, physical therapists, and medical staff should use RPE for determining the intensity of resistance exercise in clinical practise. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The rating on the Borg 15-point RPE scale increased as the intensity of resistance exercise increased.…”