Effect of Properly Describing the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale on Heart Rate Response

Introduction: The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale is often used to guide intensity during exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if a thorough explanation of the scale is necessary to achieve optimal heart rate during indoor group cycling. Methods: The study consisted of a familiarization visit and two 60-minute instructor-led group cycling classes. The cycling sessions were identical in procedure; the only difference was that during one session, there was no explanation of the RPE scale (RPE-NE), and in the other, it was fully described in detail (RPE-E). Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored. Maximal and average HR were calculated for each stage of the class. Repeated measures ANOVAs (condition x stage) were used to compare the mean HR, HRmax and %HRmax between conditions. Paired-samples t-tests were used to compare session RPE between conditions. Results: There were no differences between conditions for average HR (p=.436), HRmax (p=.086), or %HRmax (p=.084). There was also no difference between conditions in session RPE (RPE-NE: 15.7±1.4; RPE-E: 16.0±1.3; p=.432) Conclusions: A detailed explanation of the RPE scale before a group cycling class elicits a HR response similar to simply having a poster of the RPE scale posted and referenced.