Are rating of perceived exertion and heart rate methods useful to monitor the internal training load in functional training?

Abstract

The study aimed to quantify and characterize the Training Load (TL) in a Functional Training (FT) model using Heart Rate (HR) and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) methods, and to verify whether these methods could be valid to monitor the TL during a FT program. Methods: The study design consisted of two phases: phase 1 -composed of a single training session of FT (FT SESSION ), in which HR, sRPE, and pre-and post-exercise lactate [La] levels were assessed; phase 2 -composed of a FT program (FT PROGRAM ) with eight weeks of duration and two sessions per week. The HR and S RPE were utilized to monitor all training sessions, and the results between sessions 1 vs. 8, 8 vs. 9, and 9 vs. 16 were compared. Results: On phase 1, HR distribution demonstrated that the participants spent about 75% of the total training time above 80% HR max . Post-exercise [La] values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than pre-exercise. The mean sRPE score was 8.5 ± 1.2. In phase 2, HR distribution was different between sessions 1-8 and 8-9 (p < 0.05). A strong correlation (r = 0.790) between the internal training load (ITL) and Training impulse (TRIMP) was observed. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the FT SESSION can be characterized as a high-intensity exercise, based on the pattern of HR responses and sRPE, and was reinforced by the [La peak ]. Also, the TL monitoring methods (sRPE and TRIMP) proved to be valid for monitoring FT programs.