The present study aimed to validate the perceived exertion scale based on the
repetitions in reserve (RIR) of Paralympic Powerlifting (PP) athletes.
Twenty-one PP athletes were assessed in the one-maximum repetition test (1RM) of
the bench press exercise, maximum repetition strength tests with loads
corresponding to 90, 85, 80, and 75% of 1RM, and 4-repetitions strength
tests (4-repST) with 100, 90, 85, 80, and 75% of the 1RM. The RIR scale
was assessed after each set of the 4-repST and compared to the 1RM and maximum
strength tests. For criterion validity, the total estimated repetition was
significantly lower compared to the maximum strength test repetitions in the
lower scores of the RIR scale (median=7.0 vs. 9.0 for 75% of
1RM). The total estimated repetition correlation with maximum strength was very
high and significant (ICC=0.91). Using the Bland and Altman method, the
difference between means was 0.9 reps, and the interval around differences was
6.4 reps. For construct validity, and the RIR scale presented high correlation
with 1RM intensities (rho=0.86, p≤0.05). The RIR scale was
validated and coaches and sports trainers can use this monitoring tool to ensure
submaximal loads when improving lift technique, which is extremely rigorous in
PP.