Standardized scaling procedures for rating perceived exertion during resistance exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The Borg scale is widely used to measure perceived exertion.
• Its application in resistance exercise requires validation of specific instructions and anchoring procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the validity of standardized Borg scale instructions and anchoring for resistance exercise.
• To assess active muscle rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and overall RPE.

Main Methods:

• Two counterbalanced trials were conducted with varying resistance (90% 1RM x 5 reps vs. 30% 1RM x 15 reps).
• Anchoring procedures were established for 7 different resistance exercises.
• Linearity of Borg scale responses was analyzed using Adjusted R2 and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM).

Main Results:

• Both group and individual responses demonstrated high Adjusted R2 values.
• Low SEM values indicated reliable and consistent scale responses.
• The Borg scale showed linearity with repetitions at equal work increments.

Conclusions:

• The standardized Borg scale instructions and anchoring procedures are valid for resistance exercise.
• The scale effectively measures active muscle and overall perceived exertion during resistance training.
• Findings support the use of the Borg scale in assessing exercise intensity in resistance training contexts.