Sensory cues for perceived exertion: a review

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Perception Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Perception of effort during exercise is influenced by physiological responses.
• These responses are categorized as local or central factors.
• The influence of these factors on perceived exertion requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the literature on perceived exertion.
• To examine the potency of physiological responses as perceptual cues.
• To analyze modifying variables like exercise intensity, duration, and modality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of perceived exertion studies.
• Analysis of physiological responses (local and central factors).
• Examination of exercise characteristics (intensity, duration, modality, steady-state vs. progressive).

Main Results:

• The potency of physiological responses as perceptual cues varies significantly.
• Exercise intensity, duration, and modality critically modify the impact of these cues.
• The availability of physiological signals for conscious monitoring influences their role.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the interplay between physiological responses and exercise variables is crucial for explaining perceived exertion.
• The conscious monitoring of physiological signals may be a key factor in determining the importance of local and central cues.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying perceived exertion.