The ecological validity and application of the session-RPE method for quantifying training loads in swimming

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Swimming Performance

Background:

• Evaluating training load (TL) in swimming presents practical challenges.
• Existing methods for quantifying internal TL lack widespread practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ecological validity of the session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for quantifying internal training load in competitive swimmers.
• To compare session-RPE with heart rate (HR)-based methods and distance as criterion measures.
• To examine the agreement between athlete and coach perceptions of internal TL using session-RPE.

Main Methods:

• Twelve well-trained swimmers (6 male, 6 female) participated.
• Collected data on RPE, HR, and distance over 20 training sessions.
• Calculated TL using session-RPE, HR-based methods, and session distance.

Main Results:

• Session-RPE showed significant correlations with HR-based methods (r = 0.55-0.94) and distance measures (r = 0.37-0.81).
• A significant interaction was found between training intensity and coach-athlete perception of RPE.
• Coaches reported lower RPE for low-intensity and higher RPE for high-intensity sessions compared to athletes.

Conclusions:

• Session-RPE offers a practical and noninvasive approach for quantifying internal training load in competitive swimmers.
• The findings support the use of session-RPE as a valid tool for monitoring swimmer training.
• Discrepancies in RPE perception between coaches and athletes warrant further investigation, particularly concerning training intensity.