Self-regulated cycling using the children's OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion

Purpose: An estimation and production paradigm was used to determine whether clinically normal 8- to 12-yr-old female (N = 18) and male (N = 18) children could (a) self-regulate intermittent cycle ergometer exercise using a prescribed target rating of perceived exertion (RPE), (b) discriminate between target RPEs. and (c) produce intermittent target RPEs in both an ascending and descending sequence. Methods: Overall body RPE A as assessed with the Children's OMNI Scale (0-10). Subjects underwent (a) one orientation trial, (b) one estimation (E) trial, and (c) two production (P) trials. During E. RPE was estimated each minute of a progressive cycle ergometer test. During the 3-min intermittent P trials. subjects titrated cycle brake force to produce either an RPE sequence of 2 and 6 (ascending) or 6 and 2 (descending). The P trials simulated short, intermittent exercise typical of children's play. Results: Oxygen uptake ((V) over dot O-2) did not differ between E and P at a target RPE of 2 (0.63 versus 0.06 L.min(-1)) and 6 (1.27 vs 1.21 L.min(-1)). Heart rate (HR) did not differ between E and P at a target RPE of 2 (104.1 vs 102.6 beats.min(-1)) and 6 (153.7 vs 154.5 beats.min(-1)). Both (V) over dot O-2 and HR were higher (P < 0.01) at a target RPE-6 than -2. Responses were not affected by gender or production sequence. Conclusion: Young female and male children were able to use the OMNI Scale to self-regulate short-duration intermittent cycle exercise intensity.