Some Studies of Perceived Exertion in Sports

Abstract

In physical exercise and various sport activities the perception of exertion gives valuable information about the degree of physical strain as a complement to physiological indicators (Borg, 1962, 1978). Many of the problems listed in my opening address at this symposium (Borg, 1986) are of relevance for studies in sports. Of special interest are those concerning the effect of different kinds of activities or modes, such as walking, running, skiing, rowing, playing tennis or other recreational or competitive performances. The use of perceived exertion in training and its applicability as a target intensity is one good example; another is the relative contribution of peripheral signals from the muscles in comparison to signals from the chest, or the relation between subjective effort and performance intensity in different sports. Studies of perceived exertion give valuable information when we want to increase our knowledge about sport performances and make predictions of maximal achievements or some optimal levels or preferred intensities in certain situations. For a recent review see Pandolf (1983).