A submaximal treadmill test for developing target ratings of perceived exertion for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

For patient populations whose heart rates cannot be used to regulate exerci se intensity, the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale is the pref erred way to prescribe exercise intensity. Individual perceptual variations are best quantified by measuring perceptual intensity during maximal exerc ise testing; however, many situations require a submaximal protocol. Here, a submaximal treadmill procedure for establishing individualized target Rat ings of Perceived Exertion is described. Target ratings of exertion were de veloped for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation patients using the new method and compared to target Ratings of Perceived Exertion obtained using standa rd techniques. A total of 144 target ratings at intensities ranging from 50 % to 85% VO(2)max were compared. Over-all, the average difference between t he two methods was 0.27 units and was not significant at any intensity. The refore, the Treadmill Slope Method appears to be a valid submaximal test fo r generating target Ratings of Perceived Exertion for outpatient cardiac re habilitation patients.