Children's OMNI scale of perceived exertion: Walking/running evaluation

Purpose: The Children's OMNI-walk/run Scale of Perceived Exertion (category range, 0-10) was evaluated using male and female children (6-13 yr of age) during a treadmill graded exercise test. Methods; A cross-sectional, perceptual estimation paradigm using a walking/running test protocol was administered. Oxygen uptake ((V) over dot O-2, mL(.)min(-1)), %(V) over dot O-2max, ventilation ((V) over dot (E), L(.)min(-1)), respiratory rate (RR, breaths.min(-1)), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR, beats(.)min(-1)), (V) over dot (E)/(V) over dot O-2 ratio, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) measurements were made every minute throughout the test, Results: Significant correlations were found between OMNI-walk/run Scale RPE responses and (V) over dot O-2, %(V) over dot O-2max, HR, (V) over dot (E)/(V) over dot O-2 ratio, and RR throughout the maximal treadmill exercise test, The strongest correlations were found between RPE and %(V) over dot O-2max (r = 0.41-0.60, P < 0.001) and HR (r = 0.26-0.52, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The psychophysiological responses provide validity evidence for use of the Children's OMNI-walk/run Scale over a wide range of exercise intensities during both walking and running.