Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantification of the Intensity of Resistance Exercise

Abstract

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is widely used in exercise tests using cycle ergometers (incremental aerobic exercise) for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, RPE has also been used widely for determining the intensity of resistance exercise for healthy subjects. RPE anchoring is associated with percentage of 1 repetition maximum or the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction. This short communication explains a concrete method of RPE to quantify the intensity of resistance exercise. Physicians, physical therapists, and medical staff should use RPE for determining the intensity of resistance exercise in clinical practise