Accuracy and reproducibility of an exercise prescription based on Ratings of Perceived Exertion for treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise.

The accuracy of regulating exercise intensity by Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was examined. Subjects underwent 4 production trials, 2 on a treadmill (P1A, P1B) and 2 on a cycle ergometer (P2A, P2B). 9 untrained subjects used only their perceptions of effort to regulate exercise intensity. Target intensity was the RPE equivalent to 60% VO2max. Exercise intensity (VO2) during P1A, P1B, and P2A did not differ from the target, but during P2B was lower than target. During P1A and P1B heart rate did not differ from the target but was lower than target during P2A and P2B. RPE seems a valid means of regulating exercise intensity during repeated bouts of treadmill exercise at 60% VO2max; however, exercise intensity during repeated bouts on the cycle ergometer may be lower than target.