Influence of terminal RPE on session RPE

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Session rating of perceived exertion (SRPE) is a tool for monitoring exercise intensity but its relationship with acute RPE is not well understood.
• The terminal acute RPE (TRPE) before exercise cessation may influence SRPE, but this link requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential relationship between terminal acute RPE (TRPE) and session RPE (SRPE) in controlled cycling trials.
• To determine if manipulating warm-up and cooldown affects the link between TRPE and SRPE.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen participants completed a maximal exertion cycle test followed by two 40-minute cycling trials at ~75% V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.
• Trials were designed to elicit high TRPE (HITRPE) and low TRPE (LOTRPE) by manipulating warm-up/cooldown.
• Heart rate (HR), RPE, and SRPE were recorded; mean RPE (MeanRPE) was calculated during the 75% V[Combining Dot Above]O2max period.

Main Results:

• MeanRPE, HR, and power output did not differ significantly between HITRPE and LOTRPE trials.
• TRPE was significantly lower in the LOTRPE trial compared to the HITRPE trial.
• No significant difference was found in SRPE between the LOTRPE and HITRPE trials.

Conclusions:

• Session RPE (SRPE) is not directly linked to terminal acute RPE (TRPE) in this cycling exercise model.
• Further research is needed across different exercise modalities to understand the factors influencing SRPE.