Determination of ventilatory threshold based on rating of perceived exertion scale

The objective of the study was to test the possibility of using the fixed value (12-13) of the Rating of Perceived scale (RPE scale), as a valid method for determination of ventilatory threshold (VT). The sample of the subjects included 32 physically active males (age: 22.3; TV: 180.5; TM: 75.5 kg; VO2max: 57.1 mL/kg/min). During the continuous test of progressively increasing load on a treadmill, cardiorespiratory and other parameters were monitored using ECG and gas analyzer. Following the test, VT and VO2max were determined. During the test, at each level, at the scale from 6 to 20, the subjects pointed the number that suited best their currently feeling of strain. The RPE threshold was defined as constant value of 12-13. Average values of ventilatory and RPE threshold were expressed by parameters that were monitored and then compared by using t-test for dependent samples. No significant difference was found between mean values of VT and RPE threshold, when they were expressed by relevant parameters: speed, load, heart rate, absolute and relative oxygen consumption. Fixed value (12-13) of RPE scale may be used to detect the exercise intensity that corresponds to ventilatory threshold.