Rating of Perceived Exertion During Circuit Weight Training: A Concurrent Validation Study

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Resistance Training

Background:

• Circuit weight training (CWT) is a popular resistance training method.
• Controlling exercise intensity is crucial for training effectiveness.
• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a subjective measure of exercise intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) as a method for controlling effort during circuit weight training (CWT) in trained men.
• To compare RPE and blood lactate responses between CWT and traditional multiple-set resistance training.
• To assess the correlation between RPE and blood lactate levels during different resistance training protocols.

Main Methods:

• Ten trained men performed two experimental sessions: CWT and multiple-set resistance training (control).
• Both sessions involved 8 exercises at 60% of 1 repetition maximum, 24 stations/sets, 10 repetitions, and 60-second rest intervals.
• Active muscle Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES) and blood lactate were measured periodically.

Main Results:

• Both RPE and blood lactate levels increased significantly during both training sessions compared to baseline.
• Higher RPE and blood lactate concentrations were observed during multiple-set training compared to CWT at specific time points.
• A significant positive correlation was found between blood lactate and RPE in both CWT and multiple-set resistance training sessions.

Conclusions:

• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a valid and reliable tool for monitoring and controlling exercise intensity during circuit weight training in trained men.
• RPE allows for effective manipulation of training intensity without the need for invasive physiological measures like blood lactate.
• The findings support the use of RPE as a practical method for coaches and athletes to manage effort during CWT.