Perception of effort in isometric and dynamic muscular contraction.

The perception of muscular effort was studied using estimation and production methods in the adductor pollicis and quadriceps. A psychometric scale (percentage magnitude) was used. Static contractions were studied in the adductor pollicis, and both dynamic (isokinetic) and static contractions were studied in quadriceps. Linear and logarithmic equations were fitted for the perceived effort as a percentage of the maximum in relation to the produced percentage maximal force or torque. The logarithmic exponent was around or above 1.0. No significant difference was found between mean exponent and intercept values for the adductor pollicis and the quadriceps, or when estimated or produced values for the two muscles were compared. There was no difference in the same subjects between the equations for static and dynamic contractions with low angular velocity of the quadriceps.