The effects of endurance training upon ratings of perceived exertion

• Main Author: Carton, Richard Lee
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/24104

The purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at equivalent percentages of subjects maximal work capacity (equivalent relative workloads), before and: after endurance training. Experimental (N=13) and control (N=13) groups comprised of healthy male subjects (x age=21.2 years, VO2max=50.4 ml‧kg⁻¹‧min⁻¹) volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects completed progressive treadmill tests at approximately the same time of day, prior to and at the termination of the 9-week study period. Running commenced at 8 km-hr-1 and increased by 0.8 km-hr⁻¹ per minute to volitional fatigue. Values for RPE were obtained at 30 second intervals. The exercise program consisted of treadmill running, 3 days per week, at workloads which were systematically progressed (heart rate=171.5 ± 5.7, x ± SD). Statistical analysis to measure changes in RPE over time was performed using a 2x2x5 ANOVA with repeated measures on the third factor. Reductions in RPE averaged 14% and 17% at a given VO2 and velocity, respectively, in the training group. At equivalent relative workloads, decreases in RPE averaged 7.2% for VO2 and 12.8% for velocity. When modifications in RPE in the control group were considered, the changes in RPE in the training group were not significant (p<0.05). These findings emphasize the necessity of a control group in studies which employ RPE as a dependent variable. Despite the decrements in RPE in the control group, changes in RPE in the training group did approach significance at fixed velocities (p<0.08) and relative velocities (p<0.06). These decreases were greatest at moderate workloads (55-75% of maximal capacity), and appeared to be due to a reduction in local effort cues. It was concluded that the influence of training upon RPE at relative workloads is dependent upon the magnitude of corresponding physiological adaptations. The results also support the view that the changes in RPE which become apparent with training are related to the method of analysis which is used. === Education, Faculty of === Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of === Graduate