Perceived Exertion is Related to Muscle Activity During Leg Extension Exercise

This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity during dynamic leg extension exercise using a resistance exercise specific OMNI-RPE scale. Twenty volunteers (10 males, 10 females, age 22.2 +/- 3.1 yr) performed one set of leg extension exercise at 30%, 60%, and 90% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM). OMNI-RPE responses were assessed for both the active muscle (OMNI-AM) and the overall body (OMNI-O) following each intensity. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis muscles. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant OMNI-RPE (region) X intensity interaction (p < 0.01). Both OMNI-AM and OMNI-O increased with exercise intensity, and RPE-AM was higher than RPE-O at all intensities. EMG activity increased with exercise intensity in all muscle groups (all p < 0.01). Muscle activity was significantly and positively related to OMNI-RPE in both the active muscle and overall body (all p < 0.01). The OMNI-Res RPE scale may be a promising technique for regulating resistance training intensity.