The effect of post-exercise rating time on session RPE

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of post-exercise time on session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) following steady-state and interval exercise bouts on a cycle ergometer. Fifteen subjects completed one steady-state ride and four different interval rides. The order of rides was counterbalanced. The steady-state ride was conducted at a workload equal to 90% of VT. The work-to-rest ratios of the interval rides were 1:1, 2:2, and 3:3. The high-intensity component of each interval was 75% of PPO. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during each ride. The sRPE was measured at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60 minutes and 24 hours after completion of each ride. No significant differences (p ? 0.05) in sRPE were found based on time post-exercise. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in sRPE did exist between the steady-state ride vs. 3:3 ride (3.7 ? 0.2 vs. 6.2 ? 0.1) and the 1:1 ride vs. 3:3 ride (3.9 ? 0.2 vs. 6.2 ? 0.1). Post-exercise time has no meaningful effect on sRPE after steady-state or interval cycling exercise bouts. The sRPE does discriminate between different exercise intensities.