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 Cafarelli's 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.