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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(10): 683-688
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255108
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Relationship Between Rating of Perceived Exertion and Muscle Activity During Exhaustive Constant-Load Cycling

E. B. Fontes1 , B. P. C. Smirmaul1 , F. Y. Nakamura2 , G. Pereira3 , A. H.  Okano4 , L. R. Altimari2 , J. L. Dantas2 , A. C. de Moraes1
  • 1University of Campinas – UNICAMP, Department of Sports Sciences,Campinas, Brazil
  • 2Londrina State University Physical Education, Londrina
  • 3Positivo University, Nucleus of Biological and Health Science, Curitiba, Brazil
  • 4Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision June 01, 2010

Publication Date:
08 July 2010 (online)

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Abstract

The aims of this study were to verify the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and electromyography (EMG) increases during exhaustive constant-load cycling bouts and, to compare and to correlate the power outputs corresponding to perceived exertion threshold (PET) and neuromuscular fatigue threshold (NFT). 11 men completed 3–4 different exhaustive constant-load cycling bouts on a cycle ergometer, being RPE and EMG measured throughout the bouts. The linear regression of the RPEslope and EMGslope against the power output identified the PET and NFT intensity, respectively. There was a significant relationship between RPEslope and EMGslope (R2=0.69; P<0.01). However, the linearity of RPEslope (R2=0.93±0.07) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than EMGslope (R2=0.63±0.25). In addition, the RPEslope and EMGslope were related to time to exhaustion (r=−0.59 and r=−0.60; P<0.001). There was no significant difference (P=0.42) between PET (201.5±27.9W) and NFT (210.3±22.6W) and they were significantly correlated (r=0.78; P=0.005). Therefore, the RPE and EMG increases during exhaustive constant-load cycling bouts are related and, PET and NFT intensities are similar and closely associated.

Key words

neuromuscular fatigue threshold - fatigue - prolonged exercise

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Correspondence

Eduardo B. Fontes

University of Campinas –

UNICAMP

Sports Science

AV. Erico Verissimo, 701

13083851 Campinas

Brazil

Phone: +27/799/34 7423

Fax: +27/799/34 7423

Email: eduardobfontes@gmail.com

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