Abstract
Perceived exertion can be defined as the subjective intensity of effort, strain, discomfort and/or fatigue that is felt during exercise. The exertional experience involves detecting and interpreting sensations arising from the body during any type of PA. The underlying processes that are subjectively monitored during PA, referred to as exertional mediators, are classified as physiological, psychosocial, performance-related and symptomatic in nature. Perceived exertion can be assessed during aerobic and resistance exercise, leisure time or daily living activities, occupational physical activity, or a wide variety of recreational and competitive sport activities. Individuals can rate their level of perceived exertion by selecting a number, or rating of perceived exertion (RPE), from a range of numerical categories displayed on a perceived exertion scale. These RPE scales may include verbal and pictorial descriptors that are placed in juxtaposition to numerical categories representing the range of perceptual responsiveness from very low to very high intensity. The Borg RPE Scale and OMNI RPE Scales have been used in perceptual paradigms designed to quantify and predict physiological responses to acute exercise and adaptations to exercise training. RPE is an important variable used to monitor exercise programming, ensuring the attainment of optimal exercise intensity for the achievement of health-fitness benefits and to promote PA adherence.
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Haile, L., Gallagher, M., J. Robertson, R. (2015). Perceived Exertion. In: Perceived Exertion Laboratory Manual. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1917-8_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1917-8_2
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