Exercise testing and prescription using RPE as a criterion variable

This literature review examines the use of ratings of perceived exertion (R PE) as criterion variables for exercise resting and exercise prescription. The use of RPE to assess exercise tolerance in clinically normal and functi onally, impaired individuals is examined according to: (a) test termination criteria, (b) tests of aerobic and anaerobic function, (c) prediction of s ub-maximal endurance performance, (d) clinical discriminate function analys is, and (e) resistance exercise assessments. The use of RPE to define the c ardiorespiratory training zone and to regulate training intensity is then e xplained Two functionally similar but clinically discrete types of prescrip tion procedures are defined and explained, ie. (a) a perceptual estimation- production paradigm and (b) a perceptual production-only paradigm. These pa radigms are applied in both clinical and health-fitness settings involving a range of dynamic exercise modes.