Gender comparison of RPE at absolute and relative physiological criteria

Purpose: The effect of gender on ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (RPE-O), chest (RPE-C), legs (RPE-L), and arms (RPE-A (ski)) was determined. Methods: Comparisons were made at, a) absolute oxygen uptake ((V) over date O-2, L.min(-1); mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) and heart rate (HR, b.min(-1)) and b) relative (V) over dot O-2 (%(V)over dot O-2max/peak) and HR (% HR (max/peak)) reference criteria. Nine male and 10 female subjects were compared using a perceptual estimation paradigm for treadmill (weight bearing), simulated ski (partial weight bearing), and cycle (nonweight bearing) exercise. RPE was determined by the Borg 15-category scale. Results: For each exercise mode, RPE-O, RPE-L, RPE-A (ski), and RPE-C were higher (P < 0.05) in the female than male cohort when compared at submaximal absolute (V) over dot O-2, criteria. RPE did not differ between female and male cohorts when compared at mode specific relative (V) over dot O-2 criteria. Differences in RPE-O, RPE-L, RPE-A (ski), and RPE-C were not found between female and male subjects when comparisons were made at both absolute and relative HR. Responses were consistent for the three exercise modes. Conclusion: RPE did not differ between gender when comparisons were made at relativized (V) over dot O-2 and HR reference criteria at exercise intensities between 70 and 90% of mode specific maximal/peak values.