doiSerbia

Determination of ventilatory threshold based on rating of perceived exertion scale

Stojiljković Stanimir (Fakultet sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja, Beograd)
Nešić Dejan M. (Institut za fiziologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Mazić Sanja (Institut za fiziologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Popović Dejana (Institut za fiziologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Mitrović Dušan (Institut za fiziologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Mitić Dušan (Fakultet sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja, Beograd)

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; V02max: 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 V02max 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.

Keywords: ventilatory threshold, rating of perceived exertion, exercise tests