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In order to test the validity of Borg's rating scale of perceived exertion, 8 lean and 8 obese subjects participated in a study to determine whether they could perceive small differences in work intensity when the work loads were presented in a random order. These results were compared with those obtained during the progressive exercise test normally used with this scale. Reliability was determined by testing each subject twice with each protocol. The testing order of the 2 protocols and also the order of work loads used during the random test were assigned using a Latin square design. There were no significant differences in any of the physiological and perceptual variables between the 2 types of test protocols. Coefficients of reliability for both procedures were high. Consequently, the progressive test is recommended for use since it is less time-consuming.
Skinner et al. (1973) studied this question.