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Rating of Perceived Effort: Methodological Concerns and Future Directions

  • Israel HalperinEmail author
  • Aviv Emanuel
Review Article
First Online:

Abstract

Rating of perceived effort (RPE) scales are the most frequently used single-item scales in exercise science. They offer an easy and useful way to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity. However, RPE scales suffer from methodological limitations stemming from multiple perceived effort definitions and measurement strategies. In the present review, we attend these issues by covering (1) two popular perceived effort definitions, (2) the terms included within these definitions and the reasons they can impede validity, (3) the problems associated with using different effort scales and instructions, and (4) measuring perceived effort from specific body parts and the body as a whole. We pose that the large number of interactions between definitions, scales, instructions and applications strategies, threatens measurement validity of RPE. We suggest two strategies to overcome these limitations: (1) to reinforce consistency by narrowing the number of definitions of perceived effort, the number of terms included within them, and the number of scales and instructions used. (2) Rather than measuring solely RPE as commonly done, exercise sciences will benefit from incorporating other single-item scales that measure affect, fatigue and discomfort, among others. By following these two recommendations, we expect the field will increase measurement validity and become more comprehensive.

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Notes

Compliance with Ethical Standards

Funding

No sources of funding were used for the preparation of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

Israel Halperin and Aviv Emanuel have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this manuscript.

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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of MedicineTel-Aviv UniversityTel-AvivIsrael
  2. 2.Sylvan Adams Sports InstituteTel Aviv UniversityTel-AvivIsrael
  3. 3.School of Psychological SciencesTel-Aviv UniversityTel-AvivIsrael

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