Reliability and Validity of Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objective To test the reliability and validity of using the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale (ratings 6–20) in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Design Nonrandomized repeated measures. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Volunteer sample (N=27) comprised of 16 PwMS (10 women) and 11 age-matched persons without multiple sclerosis (MS) (6 women). Clinical measures included symptomatic fatigue, depression, and MS functional capacity. Interventions A submaximal cycling test was performed to estimate maximal capacity. Participants then pedaled for 2 minutes at 50% and 60% of predicted maximal oxygen consumption per unit time ( V ˙ o2 ), and physiological measures and RPE were obtained (week 1: response protocol). One week later, participants replicated the prescribed V ˙ o2 using the RPE range from week 1 (week 2: reproduction protocol). V ˙ o2 , heart rate, and respiratory quotient were measured continuously; RPE and workload were measured every minute; and blood lactate and mean arterial pressure were measured after exercise. Main Outcome Measures RPE, workload, V ˙ o2 , and heart rate from week 1 to week 2. Results PwMS had greater fatigue ( P