Heart rate response and perceived exertion during twenty consecutive karate sparring matches

This study investigated the changes in heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion ratings (RPE) of 20 consecutive karate sparring matches each of 2 minutes duration. The resting and maximal HR (HRmax) responses to the maximal treadmill test were 69.8 +/- 2.9 beats.min-1 and 198.5 +/- 8.2 beats.min-1, respectively. The resting HR before the 20 sparring matches was 83.5 +/- 11.3 beats min-1. The mean HR during the 20 sparring matches was 191.8 +/- 9.4 beats.min-1 which was equal to 96.7 +/- 4.2% of HRmax. At the end of the 20 sparring matches, the mean RPE obtained was 19 +/- 2. The results of this study suggest that the subjects could continue the 20 sparring matches for about 40 minutes at the intensity close to the HRmax.