The utilization of perceived exertion is valid for the determination of the training stress in young athletes

Abstract

The Utilization of Perceived Exertion is Valid for the Determination of the Training Stress in Young Athletes? JEPonline 2016;19(1):27-32. The purpose of this study was to determine if the rating of perceived exertion is valid method of determining training stress in young athletes. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a variable used for physical assessment and training load monitoring in athletes. The goal is to assess the relationship between RPE and heart rate (HR) in aerobic tests during different training sessions in young athletes. We assessed 13 athletes (6 males and 7 females, mean age ± SD, 15.9 ± 1.09 yrs) of national and international level in their age categories. They underwent a progressive test on a track (PTT) and, then, they were monitored during 9 training sessions that consisted of continuous and interval runs (RUNT) and other types of training (OT, that included jumps, barriers jumps, weight lifting, plyometric training, speed training, technical training, and throwing). We found significant associations between RPE and HR in the PPT (r=0.76), RUNT (r=0.67) and OT (r=0.38). Thus, the rating of perceived exertion is a valid method of determining training stress in young athletes, particularly during aerobic exercises.