Randall F. Gearhart

Ratings of perceived exertion during low- and high-intensity resistance exercise by young adults

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are commonly used to monitor the intensity of aerobic exercise. Whether ratings of perceived exertion can be used similarly during resistance exercise is unclear. To examine this question, perceived exertion was measured at 30% and 90% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM), while holding work constant between intensities. Ratings for the active muscles and for the overall body were examined during both intensities. 10 male (age = 23.2 ± 3.6 yr.) and nine female (age = 21.8 ± 2.7 yr.) volunteers underwent a one-repetition maximum procedure for each of the following exercises; bench press, leg press, latissimus pull down, triceps press, biceps curl, shoulder press, and calf raise. All subjects then completed two experimental trials on separate days. The high-intensity trial consisted of one set of five repetitions at 90% of the one-repetition maximum. The low-intensity trial consisted of one set of 15 repetitions at 30% of the one-repetition maximum. Active muscle and overall body ratings of perceived exertion were obtained immediately at termination of each of the seven exercises at both intensities. A two-factor (RPE x Intensity) repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed separately for each exercise. Both active muscle and overall body ratings of perceived exertion were higher (p<.01) for the high-intensity trial than for the low intensity trial. Active muscle ratings were higher (p<.01) than overall body ratings for all exercises. Ratings of perceived exertion during resistance exercise are related to intensity of the resistance exercise (percentage of the one-repetition maximum). This information suggests that ratings of perceived exertion can provide information regarding the intensity of resistance exercise. Furthermore, sensations of exertion in the active muscles during resistance exercise are greater than sensations for the overall body.

Strength tracking using the OMNI resistance exercise scale in older men and women.

Gearhart, RF Jr, Lagally, KM, Riechman, SE, Andrews, RD, and Robertson, RJ. Strength tracking using the OMNI resistance exercise scale in older men and women. J Strength Cond Res 23(3): 1011-1015, 2009-Strength tracking uses ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) as a reference value to determine changes in strength as a function of a resistance training program. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the OMNI Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES) could be used to track training-induced strength changes in older adults. Twenty-two men (64.3 + 3.2 years) and 27 women (63.8 + 2.8 years) volunteered to participate. Subjects underwent a maximal lifting test, during which they estimated perceived exertion before and following 12 weeks of resistance exercise training. Leg press (LP), latissimus dorsi pull-down (LA), chest press (CP), leg extension (LE), leg curl (LC), arm extension (AE), and arm curl (AC) were performed. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare resistance lifted pre- and post-training at each criterion RPE (4, 6, and 8). One repetition maximum increased from pretraining to post-training (p < 0.05) for all exercises. The resistance lifted at each criterion RPE also increased (p < 0.05) during the 12-week training session for every exercise. Older adults lifted more weight at 3 criterion RPEs as their strength increased, providing an RPE-based procedure to track strength training changes using the OMNI-RES. As such, it seems that RPE from the OMNI-RES can be used to track strength in older adults.

RPE at Relative Intensities after 12 Weeks of Resistance-Exercise Training by Older Adults

The constant-RPE tracking model monitors progress over the course of exercise training. During aerobic exercise, prior work using this model has demonstrated similar relative intensities pre- and posttraining, while the absolute workload increases posttraining. However, the prediction equation associated with these changes has not been examined during resistance training. 22 men and 27 women (M age 64 yr.) participated in a 12-wk. resistance training. Orientation determined resistances associated with RPEs of 4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale for each of seven exercises for each participant. Individuals trained 3 days a week for 12 wk. Linear regression was used to calculate percent of 1-repetition maximum (%1-RM) at RPE 4, 6, and 8 for the exercises. Paired sample t tests, comparing pre- and posttraining %1-RMs at each RPE, indicated that posttraining %1-RMs were higher for RPE 4 and 6 for each exercise, while at RPE 8, results were significant for only 3 exercises. Thus for at least the RPE 4 and 6, the constant RPE tracking model is appropriate for resistance exercise; however, the equation of prediction appears to differ from that for aerobic exercise. Development of a new prediction equation may be necessary to track relative strength in older adults.

Rating Perceived Exertion during Short Duration, Very High Intensity Cycle Exercise

This study compared undifferentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during short duration, very high intensity cycle exercise using high and low resistance. 30 recreationally trained males (24.2 ± 2.4 yr.) were memory-anchored to the Borg 15-category scale. The high and low resistance exercises were defined by 30-sec. maximum tests assigned in counterbalanced order, with resistances set before testing during an orientation session. High resistance was 10% of body mass. Low resistance resulted in the same total work as the high resistance over the 30-sec. sessions (± 5%) but increased pedal rate. RPE was taken at 8, 13, 18, 23, and 28 sec. during the high and the low resistance exercises. Measurements were compared using a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. RPE was significantly greater (p = .005) for the high than the low resistance exercise at each interval. RPE increased when the subjects were required to pedal against a greater resistance and produce the highest forces. These RPE data are consistent with data from both aerobic cycle and resistance exercise. The data suggest that instantaneous force production, not summed work, is a primary determinant of RPE. All of these observations support Cafarellis theoretical model of effort sense. In conclusion, as an individual generates more force during high resistance exercise than in light resistance exercise, a potential explanation of our results is that the increased motor outflow and corollary sensory signal lead to a greater sense of effort.

Comparison of Memory and Combined Exercise and Memory-Anchoring Procedures on Ratings of Perceived Exertion during Short Duration, Near-Peak-Intensity Cycle Ergometer Exercise

The purpose of this study was to compare ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) following memory-anchoring and two different types of combined exercise and memory-anchoring during short duration, near-peak-intensity cycle exercise. Thirty recreationally trained males volunteered to participate. The M group, n=10, received only verbal instructions prior to the experimental trial. The EM1 group, n = 10, and the EM2 group, n = 10, received the same verbal instructions, but these were administered while participants performed maximal, graded cycle ergometer exercise. The low perceptual anchor was established during light pedaling for both EM1 and EM2. The high perceptual anchor was established during the final stage of the maximal cycle test for EM1 and during a 30-sec. sprint immediately following the final stage of the maximal cycle ergometer testing for EM2. On the experimental trial pedaling at maximal intensity for 30-sec. was against a resistance equal to .10 × body mass (kg) on a cycle ergometer. The Borg 15-category RPE scale was used to record exertional perceptions. RPE was reported at 8, 13, 18, 23, and 28 sec. each trial. Ratings were similar among the three groups. Their linear regression slopes and intercepts were also similar. Memory-anchoring produced similar RPE for two different combined exercise and memory-anchoring procedures. In conclusion, memory-anchoring and combined exercise and memory-anchoring produce similar RPE during high intensity, short duration cycle exercise in young recreationally trained athletes.

Ratings of perceived exertion and oxygen consumption during maximal, graded, treadmill exercise following different anchoring procedures

Abstract In this study, relative oxygen consumption (VO2) was compared at selected criterion ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during maximal, graded, treadmill exercise following memory or combined exercise and memory anchoring to the Borg 15-category scale. The purpose was to determine whether participants would produce a similar relative VO2 at a corresponding criterion RPE following different types of anchoring. Thirty-six college-aged participants (18 males, 18 females) volunteered for this investigation and were assigned to one of two groups: a memory anchoring group or a combined exercise and memory group. The memory anchoring group received only verbal instructions before the experimental trial. The combined exercise and memory group received identical verbal instructions to the memory anchoring group, which were administered initially while the participants performed a graded treadmill test to exhaustion. The low perceptual anchor (i.e. 7) was established during light walking and the high perceptual anchor (i.e. 19) at volitional exhaustion. Similar to that for the memory anchoring group, the memory anchoring instructions were presented immediately before the experimental trial for the combined exercise and memory group. Linear regression was used to calculate percent VO2peak for each criterion RPE (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). Independent samples t-tests were used to compare percent VO2peak between the two groups at each criterion RPE. Percent VO2peak did not differ (P>0.05) between the two groups at any criterion RPE. Both types of anchoring instructions can be considered valid tools in applying the Borg scale to this population Memory anchoring may be preferred because it involves one less laboratory session for both the investigator and the participant.

Safety of Using the Adult Omni Resistance Exercise Scale to Determine 1-Rm in Older Men and Women

Older adults may be susceptible to injury during high-intensity resistance exercise. It has been suggested that it may be more protective to predict one-repetition maximum (1-RM) than to measure it because of the high intensity associated with 1-RM testing, but it may be necessary to measure 1-RM for functional, diagnostic, or clinical purposes. The method of using the OMNI Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI–RES) was examined as a guide for hexagenarian adults in estimating 1-RM. 22 healthy men (M age = 64.3 yr., SD = 3.2) and 27 women (M age = 63.8 yr., SD = 2.8) volunteered. After two weeks of orientation, participants used a predetermined rating of perceived exertion to select resistance in the assessment of 1-RM and again after 12 weeks of training. At the 1-RM trials, participants were asked to report soreness or injury during or after the exercise sessions. There were no reported incidences of injury during the current investigation. The current results provide a practical method to estimate 1-RM in older adults. As such, the OMNI–RES can be used safely in a potentially at-risk population.

Comparison of Perceived Exertion Ratings during Graded Peak Cycle Exercise between Cigarette Smokers and Nonsmokers

This study compared differentiated Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for the chest (RPE-Chest) and legs (RPE-Legs) and undifferentiated ratings (RPE-Overall) between cigarette smokers (n = 10) and nonsmokers (n = 10) during graded, peak cycle exercise. Linear regression analyses expressed RPE-Chest, RPE-Leg, and RPE-Overall as a function of VO2 for smokers and nonsmokers. RPE equivalent to 50, 70, and 90% VO2peak were compared between. Chest, Leg, and Overall RPE were similar at each % VO2peak. In the combined smokers and nonsmokers, RPE-Chest was lower (p<.05) than the RPE-Overall at each % VO2peak. RPE-Leg did not differ from RPE-Overall at 50% VO2peak, but was higher (p<.05) at 70% and 90% VO2peak. These results validate Assumption 4 for application of the Borg 15-category scale in that this assumption is also valid for differentiated RPE. Smoking did not influence the intensity of differentiated or undifferentiated RPE during graded cycle exercise.