Accuracy of RPE from graded exercise to establish exercise training intensity

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the accuracy of an exercise intensity prescription based upon perceptual responses obtained during a graded exercise test. Fifteen physically active men completed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a motor driven treadmill. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and RPE were measured each minute. An RPE intensity prescription was calculated as 75% of heart rate reserve from the GXT heart rate and RPE data. A minimum of 48 h later the subjects completed 10 min of exercise (EXT) on a level treadmill at the prescribed RPE. The subjects set the treadmill speed to elicit an exercise intensity equal to the prescribed perception of effort. There were significant mean differences (P < 0.05) in heart rate between the GXT (161.8 +/- 1.3) and EXT (154.9 +/- 4.5). However, by minute 6 the subjects were within four beats.min-1 of the target heart rate. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between GXT and EXT for VO2 (36.1 +/- 5.2, 33.1 +/- 6.4) and VE (64.1 +/- 10.8, 58.4 +/- 13.5) respectively. The present investigation demonstrates that a subject's perceptual response to a GXT can be used to accurately prescribe exercise intensity during level treadmill running. The intensity selected was within a typical range used for exercise prescription. The advantage of RPE as a method of exercise prescription is that an individual does not need to stop during exercise and measure a heart rate, but can make pace adjustments while exercising based solely upon the perception of effort.