Perceived exertion of absolute work during a military physical training program

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Military Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular and perceived exertion responses to exercise are key indicators of fitness.
• Understanding how endurance training impacts these metrics in military personnel is crucial for optimizing performance and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) between fit and less-fit military personnel.
• To assess changes in RPE and HR following a structured endurance training program.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of military personnel (N=60 each) were assessed at baseline (T1) and after 6 months (T2).
• Group I was untrained; Group II completed an endurance program (2-4 miles/day).
• RPE and HR were measured during a 6-minute treadmill run at a constant workload (6 mph, 0% grade).

Main Results:

• At T1, Group II (trained) exhibited lower HR but similar RPE compared to Group I (untrained).
• At T2, both groups demonstrated significant longitudinal decreases in HR and RPE.
• Cross-sectional analysis showed no difference in RPE between fitness groups at absolute workload.

Conclusions:

• Perceived exertion at a fixed absolute workload does not differ between varying fitness levels initially.
• Physical training leads to significant reductions in both heart rate and perceived exertion.
• Endurance training enhances physiological efficiency and subjective experience of exercise intensity.