Ratings of perceived exertion at maximal exercise in children performing different graded exercise test

The purpose of this study was to examine the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at maximal exercise in children performing three different graded exercise tests on a treadmill. Eighteen children with a mean +/- SD age of 10.3 +/- 1.4 years volunteered for this study. Each subject performed three different graded exercise test protocols on a treadmill. The protocols consisted of walking only, running only, and combination walk/run. Mean VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) during the walking trial (47.3 +/- 5.0) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than during the running (52.1 +/- 4.9) and combination trials (51.9 +/- 5.1). Mean HRmax (bpm) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during the walking test (195.2 +/- 7.9) compared to the running (202.2 +/- 7.4) and combination tests (202.3 +/- 6.6). Mean RPE at maximal exercise was 18.1 +/- 2.1 in the walking trial, 16.8 +/- 3.0 in the running trial, and 16.8 +/- 2.6 in the combination trial, and was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the walking trial compared to the other two testing protocols. These data indicate that although VO2max during a walking test is lower, effort sensation is higher compared to protocols that use running as the mode of exercise. The factors involved with RPE selection in this age-group remain to be established.