Development of the perceived exertion knowledge base: An interdisciplinaryprocess

This literature review examines the development of the perceived exertion k nowledge base from an interdisciplinary perspective. The scope of the perce ived exertion knowledge base is initially conceptualized using a Global Exp lanatory Model. Interdisciplinary contributions to the development of perce ived exertion as a psychophysiological discipline are then examined sequent ially according to a series of interrelated processes. These processes invo lve: (a) formulating a standardized definition of perceived exertion for ch ildren and adults, (b) validating category scaling systems to rate perceive d exertion (ie. RPE) (c) classifying exertional perceptions according to th eir peripheral, respiratory-metabolic and non-specific (systemic) origins ( d) identifying physiological and psychological mediators for each class of exertional signals and (e) applying RPE in clinical, sport, health-fitness, occupational, and school settings.