Temporal robustness of session RPE

Abstract

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) has been used to monitor training as an alternative to traditional measures such as heart rate, blood lactate and VO2. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of time post-exercise on temporal robustness of Session of Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) as well as the difference between coach-intended RPE and athlete-reported sRPE. 15 collegiate swimmers (NCAA Division III) completed five training sessions at different intended RPE as prescribed by the swim coach. The subjects reported sRPE within 30 minutes post-exercise and then five more times in the subsequent two weeks for each training session. Athletes reported similar sRPE over all times post-exercise for all workouts, suggesting that sRPE is a viable method of monitoring training up to 14 days post-exercise. The sRPE reported by the athletes were significantly lower than coach’s when the intended RPE was high (9.0), and sRPE was significantly higher than coach’s when intended RPE Was lower (4.0 and 5.0). This suggests that there is a mismatch between coach and athlete when it comes to prescribing exercise intensity.