Comparison of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and category-ratio (CR-10) scales during incremental exercise

Abstract

Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Category-Ratio (CR-10) scales are the mostwell-known methods for subjectively quantifying intensity during exercise. However, limited data exists comparing intraindividual correlation between RPE and CR-10scales. Purpose: To evaluate intraindividual variability between RPE and CR-10 scales during maximal incremental exercise. Methods: 14 subjects (21.7±2.73 years)completed two randomly ordered graded exercise tests (GXTs) on a cycle ergometer separated by 48-hours. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) weremeasured. Subjective responses were recorded at the end of each stage using RPE and CR-10 scales. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between RPEand CR-10 scales. Results: Maximal values during RPE scale GXT: VO2max = 46.5±8.11 mL/kg/min, HRmax = 188.9±3.99 bpm; PeakPO = 240.6±46.43 watts;RPEmax = 18.7±0.87. Maximal values during CR-10 scale GXT: VO2max = 45.8±7.40 mL/kg/min, HRmax = 187.8±4.74 bpm; PeakPO = 241.9±48.97 watts; CR-10max =9.3±1.18). The scales were strongly correlated (r=0.94). Conclusion: This study showed that RPE and CR-10 scales correlate on an intraindividual level, suggesting aninterchangeable relationship.