THE USE OF A FIXED VALUE OF RPE DURING A RAMP PROTOCOL - COMPARISON WITH THE VENTILATORY THRESHOLD

Background. The purpose of our investigation was to assess the use of a fixed value (12-13) of the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (6-20) as a valid method for the determination of the workload corresp onding to the ventilatory threshold (VT) during a ramp protocol on a c ycle ergometer. Methods. Eleven trained cyclists (22+/-3 years of age; (V) over dotO(2)max: 65.2+/-12.4 ml kg-l min-l) were selected as subj ects. Design. Each of the subjects performed a ramp protocol on a cycl e ergometer (starting at 25 W, with increases of 25 W.min(-1) until ex haustion). Gas exchange data were analysed continually during the test to detect the ventilatory threshold (VT) of the subjects. In addition values of RPE were obtained from each subject in the last 15 sec of e ach a-minute-interval during the tests, and immediately after exhausti on. The RPE threshold (RPET) was defined as a constant value of 12-13. Mean values of VT and RPET were expressed as (V) over dotO(2) (ml.kg( -1).min(-1)), % (V) over dotO(2)max, heart rate (bpm) and power output (W), and were compared using a paired ''t''-test. Results. No signifi cant difference (p<0.05) was found between mean values of VT and RPET, when both parameters where expressed either as (V) over dotO(2), % (V ) over dotO(2)max, heart rate, or power output. Conclusions. In conclu sion, a fixed value (12-13) of the RPE scale might be used to detect t he exercise intensity corresponding to VT. Such parameter may therefor e be used for exercise prescription in substitution to more sophistica ted methodologies.