Face Pain Scale and Borg Scale compared to physiological parameters during cardiopulmonary exercise testing

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the Face Pain and Borg Scales for rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in healthy adults, and their relationships with work rate (watts), heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>), and minute ventilation (VE).

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 77 healthy adults were randomly assigned to either the group using the Face Pain Scale (19 men, 18 women) or using the Borg Scale (21 men, 19 women) for the RPE during CPET. In Experiment 2, 40 healthy adults (20 men, 20 women) used both the Face Pain and Borg Scales for the RPE during CPET. In both experiments, CPET was performed on ramp protocols with incremental increases in the work rate by 20 watts/minute. Their responses in terms of watts, HR, VO<inf>2</inf>, VE, and RPE (assessed using the Face Pain Scale or Borg Scale) were recorded each minute.

RESULTS

There were significant relationships between the two scales and all physiological variables during CPET in 74 out of the 77 participants in Experiment 1 and in all subjects in Experiment 2 (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient of the Face Pain Scale with respect to the physiological parameters was slightly lower than that of Borg Scale in both experiments (P<0.05). The Face Pain Scale had a significant correlation with the Borg Scale during CPET in Experiment 2 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Face Pain Scale may be useful for determining the intensity of exercise in healthy adults, similar to the Borg Scale.

A study of intensity, fatigue and precision in two specific interval trainings in young tennis players: high-intensity interval training versus intermittent interval training

Background

The aim of this study is to find the differences between two specific interval exercises. We begin with the hypothesis that the use of microintervals of work and rest allow for greater intensity of play and a reduction in fatigue.

Methods

Thirteen competition-level male tennis players took part in two interval training exercises comprising nine 2 min series, which consisted of hitting the ball with cross-court forehand and backhand shots, behind the service box. One was a high-intensity interval training (HIIT), made up of periods of continuous work lasting 2 min, and the other was intermittent interval training (IIT), this time with intermittent 2 min intervals, alternating periods of work with rest periods. Average heart rate (HR) and lactate levels were registered in order to observe the physiological intensity of the two exercises, along with the Borg Scale results for perceived exertion and the number of shots and errors in order to determine the intensity achieved and the degree of fatigue throughout the exercise.

Results

There were no significant differences in the average heart rate, lactate or the Borg Scale. Significant differences were registered, on the other hand, with a greater number of shots in the first two HIIT series (series 1 p>0.009; series 2 p>0.056), but not in the third. The number of errors was significantly lower in all the IIT series (series 1 p<0.035; series 2 p<0.010; series 3 p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that high-intensity intermittent training allows for greater intensity of play in relation to the real time spent on the exercise, reduced fatigue levels and the maintaining of greater precision in specific tennis-related exercises.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on time limit and ratings of perceived exertion in physically active women

The limiting factors of maximum performance in humans have been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to verify the acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on time limit (i.e., the time by which an individual is able to sustain a certain intensity of effort) at 100% of peak power (tlim@100%PP) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Eleven moderately active women underwent an anthropometric evaluation and a maximal incremental test in the cycle ergometer, in order to obtain peak power (PP). At the two subsequent visits, which were separated by 48-72h, participants were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions: anodal stimulation (a-tDCS) and sham. In the a-tDCS condition, the stimulus was applied in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with intensity of 2mA for 20min. In the sham condition, the equipment was switched off after 30s of stimulation. Immediately after the conditions, participants performed the tlim@100%PP. Immediately after the tlim@100%PP test, the RPE scale was applied. The results demonstrated that the tlim@100%PP was higher in a-tDCS condition compared to sham condition (p=0.005). No difference was found between the conditions (a-tDCS vs sham) for the RPE (p=0.52). The anodal stimulus increased the tolerance to the exercise performed in the cycloergometer with maximum load, having some ergogenic effect in exercises of cyclic characteristics.

Submaximal, Perceptually Regulated Exercise Testing Predicts Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Meta-Analysis Study

BACKGROUND

Recently, several authors have proposed the use of a submaximal 'perceptually regulated exercise test' (PRET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). The PRET involves asking the individual to self-regulate a series of short bouts of exercise corresponding to pre-set ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The individual linear relationship between RPE and oxygen uptake (RPE:[Formula: see text]) is then extrapolated to the [Formula: see text], which corresponds to the theoretical maximal RPE (RPE20). Studies suggest that prediction accuracy from this method may be better improved during a second PRET. Similarly, some authors have recommended an extrapolation to RPE19 rather than RPE20.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the meta-analysis was to examine the validity of the method of predicting [Formula: see text] from the RPE:[Formula: see text] during a PRET, and to determine the level of agreement and accuracy of predicting [Formula: see text] from an initial PRET and retest using RPE19 and RPE20.

DATA SOURCES

From a systematic search of the literature, 512 research articles were identified.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The eligible manuscripts were those which used the relationship between the RPE≤15 and [Formula: see text], and used only the Borg's RPE scale.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Ten studies (n = 274 individuals) were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

For each study, actual and predicted [Formula: see text] from four subgroup outcomes (RPE19 in the initial test, RPE19 in the retest, RPE20 in the initial test, RPE20 in the retest) were identified, and then compared. The magnitude of the difference regardless of subgroup outcomes was examined to determine if it is better to predict [Formula: see text] from extrapolation to RPE19 or RPE20. The magnitude of differences was examined for the best PRET (test vs retest).

RESULTS

The results revealed that [Formula: see text] may be predicted from RPE:[Formula: see text] during PRET in different populations and in various PRET modalities, regardless of the subgroup outcomes. To obtain greater accuracy of predictions, extrapolation to RPE20 during a retest may be recommended.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies reported poor selection bias and data collection methods.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

The [Formula: see text] may be predicted from RPE:[Formula: see text] during PRET, especially when [Formula: see text] is extrapolated to RPE20 during a second PRET.

Evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of a cooling vest across four industries in Hong Kong

Purpose

Extreme hot environments are prevalent in many occupational settings, and facilities management workers are no exception. Wearing suitable cooling garment is a useful means to alleviate heat strain and improving performance at heat exposure. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the cooling vest across four selected fields (i.e. construction, outdoor cleaning and horticulture, kitchen work and work involved manual handling at the airport) and identify the shortcomings of the cooling vest used by the participating workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a two-phase design: a quantitative questionnaire survey followed by qualitative in-depth interviews.

Findings

A remarkable physical strain alleviation (PSA) of 21.1 per cent (14.8 per cent in construction, 18.8 per cent in horticulture and cleaning, 27.4 per cent in kitchen and catering and 26.5 per cent in airport apron service) is achieved by the use of cooling vest in four industries. Despite the success of PSA, several shortcomings of the cooling vest were identified: easily stained color, heavy weight, short cooling time, inflexibility that presents a hazard around moving equipment, lack of industry-specific design, nondurable and thick fabric with poor permeability.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study do not only confirm the effectiveness of the cooling vest in alleviating heat strain and physical strain but also identify the major shortcomings upon which further improvements can be made.

Prediction of maximal or peak oxygen uptake from ratings of perceived exertion

Maximal or peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2 max and V˙O2 peak , respectively) are commonly measured during graded exercise tests (GXTs) to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), to prescribe exercise intensity and/or to evaluate the effects of training. However, direct measurement of CRF requires a GXT to volitional exhaustion, which may not always be well accepted by athletes or which should be avoided in some clinical populations. Consequently, numerous studies have proposed various sub-maximal exercise tests to predict V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak . Because of the strong link between ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and oxygen uptake (V˙O2), it has been proposed that the individual relationship between RPE and V˙O2 (RPE:V˙O2) can be used to predict V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak) from data measured during submaximal exercise tests. To predict V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak from these linear regressions, two procedures may be identified: an estimation procedure or a production procedure. The estimation procedure is a passive process in which the individual is typically asked to rate how hard an exercise bout feels according to the RPE scale during each stage of a submaximal GXT. The production procedure is an active process in which the individual is asked to self-regulate and maintain an exercise intensity corresponding to a prescribed RPE. This procedure is referred to as a perceptually regulated exercise test (PRET). Recently, prediction of V˙O2max or V˙O2 peak from RPE:V˙O2 measured during both GXT and PRET has received growing interest. A number of studies have tested the validity, reliability and sensitivity of predicted V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak from RPE:V˙O2 extrapolated to the theoretical V˙O2 max at RPE20 (or RPE19). This review summarizes studies that have used this predictive method during submaximal estimation or production procedures in various populations (i.e., sedentary individuals, athletes and pathological populations). The accuracy of the methods is discussed according to the RPE:V˙O2 range used to plot the linear regression (e.g., RPE9–13 versus RPE9–15 versus RPE9–17 during PRET), as well as the perceptual endpoint used for the extrapolation (i.e., RPE19 and RPE20). The V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak predictions from RPE:V˙O2 are also compared with heart rate-related predictive methods. This review suggests that V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak ) may be predicted from RPE:V˙O2 extrapolated to the theoretical V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak) at RPE20 (or RPE19). However, it is generally preferable to (1) extrapolate RPE:V ˙ O 2 to RPE19 (rather than RPE20); (2) use wider RPE ranges (e.g. RPE ≤ 17 or RPE9–17) in order to increase the accuracy of the predictions; and (3) use RPE ≤ 15 or RPE9–15 in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in clinical populations.

Physiological responses according to rules changes during 3 vs. 3 small-sided games in youth soccer players: stop-ball vs. small-goals rules

Small-sided games (SSGs) are effective for soccer-specific aerobic endurance training. To date, no study has investigated the effect of stop-ball (SB-SSG) rule on the physiological responses to SSG. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of SB-SSG vs. small-goals (SG-SSG) rules on physiological responses during a 3 vs. 3 SSG in young soccer players. Twelve male amateur young soccer players (age, 14.0 ± 0.7 years; body mass, 51.8 ± 8.0 kg; height, 164 ± 7 cm) randomly performed either SB-SSG or SG-SSG for 4 × 4 min separated by 2 min of recovery on a 20 × 15 m pitch. During the SB-SSG, participants were instructed to stop the ball with the soles of their boots in a 15 × 1 m surface behind the pitch bottom line; whereas during the SG-SSG, the participants were instructed to score to a mini-goal (i.e., 1 × 0.5 m). During each test session, the mean heart rate (HR), the post-SSG rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores and blood lactate concentrations ([La(-)]) were recorded. Results showed that SB-SSG induced significantly higher mean HR (178 ± 3 vs. 174 ± 3 bpm; P < 0.05) and [La(-)] (4.66 ± 0.98 vs. 4.16 ± 1.02 mol · L(-1); P < 0.05) than SG-SSG. However, there was no significant difference between SB-SSG and SG-SSG for the RPE scores. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the effectiveness of SB-SSG in SSG training. Indeed, SB-SSG can influence the effort intensity in SSG (i.e., resulted in a higher intensity than SG-SSG). Therefore, coaches have the possibility to choose between SB-SSG and SG-SSG rules during training sessions according to their physical and technical objectives.

Relationships of Borg's RPE 6-20 scale and heart rate in dynamic and static exercises among a sample of young Taiwanese men

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the scores collected from Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale and the heart rates (HR) of young Taiwanese men. Three exercises types (dynamic, partially dynamic, and static) were performed by 12 participants (six were familiar with Borg's scale and 6 were unfamiliar) under nine test conditions of three load levels for each exercise. The effect of familiarity on the relationship between RPE and HR was also examined. The results showed that the familiarity of the participants regarding the Borg's scale did not affect the scores. The relationship between Borg's RPE 6-20 scale and the HR values during dynamic exercise was described by the regression equation HR = 8.88 x RPE + 38.2 (beats/min). The HR had lower correlations with RPE values when the participants performed both partially dynamic and static exercises. The findings may serve as a reference when using Borg's RPE scale to evaluate the physical exertion of young Taiwanese men.

Use of Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Sports

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a recognized marker of intensity and of homeostatic disturbance during exercise. It is typically monitored during exercise tests to complement other measures of intensity. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the remarkable value of RPE as a psychophysiological integrator in adults. It can be used in such diverse fashions as to predict exercise capacity, assess changes in training status, and explain changes in pace and pacing strategy. In addition to using RPE to self-regulate exercise, a novel application of the intensity:RPE relationship is to clamp RPE at various levels to produce self-paced bouts of exercise, which can be used to assess maximal functional capacity. Research also shows that the rate of increase in RPE during self-paced competitive events of varying distance, or constant-load tasks where the participant exercises until volitional exhaustion, is proportional to the duration that remains. These findings suggest that the brain regulates RPE and performance in an anticipatory manner based on awareness of metabolic reserves at the start of an event and certainty of the anticipated end point. Changes in pace may be explained by a continuous internal negotiation of momentary RPE compared with a preplanned “ideal rate of RPE progression” template, which takes into account the portion of distance covered and the anticipated end point. These observations have led to the development of new techniques to analyze the complex relationship of RPE and pacing. The use of techniques to assess frontal-cortex activity will lead to further advances in understanding.

Prediction of time to exhaustion in competitive cyclists from a perceptually based scale

Prediction of time to exhaustion in competitive cyclists from a perceptually based scale. We have tested the validity of the estimated time limit (ETL) scale to predict an exhaustion time (T(lim)) from values stemming from incremental and randomized constant workloads tests on a cycle ergometer. Twenty-five cyclists performed 1 continuous incremental test, 1 discontinuous test with randomized workloads, and 1 constant power output test at 90% of maximal aerobic power (MAP) to exhaustion. Estimated time limits at 90% MAP during the incremental test and the test with randomized workloads were calculated from exponential relationships between power and ETL using the same 4 workloads. Real measured T(lim) during the constant power output test was converted into ETL values (called measured ETL). The differences between the calculated and measured ETLs were examined. Estimated time limits calculated at 90% MAP during the incremental and randomized tests corresponded to 14 minutes 56 seconds and 10 minutes 14 seconds, whereas measured ETL was equal to 11 minutes 19 seconds ± 3 minutes 40 seconds. The results showed a nonsignificant difference between calculated and measured ETLs. However, the mean differences between the measured ETL values during the constant test performed at the same intensity were -1.3 ± 2.9 and 0.3 ± 3.0 for the incremental and the randomized constant workloads tests, respectively. Consequently, the use of ETL calculated at 90% MAP during the test with randomized constant workloads may be preferable to predict the accurate T(lim). Moreover, it would seem that high-level cyclists, who were more consciously attuned to their bodies and their own effort sense, were more accurate in their prediction than low-level cyclists. It is concluded that the randomized constant workloads test that is both shorter and less strenuous would be more convenient for high-level athletes.

Women with type 2 diabetes perceive harder effort during exercise than nondiabetic women

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes treatment; however, people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are commonly sedentary. It is possible that a harder rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise for those with T2D as compared with nondiabetics may be a barrier to physical activity. This study examined RPE (Borg scale, ordinal range 6-20) during submaximal exercise at identical absolute work rates to test the hypothesis that women with T2D demonstrate harder RPE during exercise than nondiabetic controls. In a prespecified analysis of existing data from equivalently sedentary women, RPE during submaximal exercise was compared among women with uncomplicated T2D (n = 13, mean body mass index (BMI) 34.2, mean hemoglobin A1c 9%), overweight controls (OC, n = 13, mean BMI 30.7), and normal-weight controls (NWC, n = 13, mean BMI 23.1). Subjects performed three 7 min, constant-load exercise tests at 20 W and 30 W. Mixed-effects general linear modeling was used to test for differences in mean RPE estimates among groups with and without adjustment for relative work intensity, age, habitual physical activity, or BMI. Subjects with T2D perceived harder effort during bicycling exercise than controls, as measured by RPE at 20 W and 30 W (p < 0.05 for T2D vs. OC and for T2D vs. NWC). Adjusting for relative work intensity eliminated significant group RPE differences at 30 W, but group RPE differences at 20 W remained significant. Harder perceived effort during exercise may be a barrier to physical activity for those with T2D.