Session-RPE Method for Training Load Monitoring: Validity, Ecological Usefulness, and Influencing Factors

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this review is to (1) retrieve all data validating the Session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-method using various criteria, (2) highlight the rationale of this method and its ecological usefulness, and (3) describe factors that can alter RPE and users of this method should take into consideration.Method: Search engines such as SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases in the English language between 2001 and 2016 were consulted for the validity and usefulness of the session-RPE method. Studies were considered for further analysis when they used the session-RPE method proposed by Foster et al. in 2001. Participants were athletes of any gender, age, or level of competition. Studies using languages other than English were excluded in the analysis of the validity and reliability of the session-RPE method. Other studies were examined to explain the rationale of the session-RPE method and the origin of RPE.Results: A total of 950 studies cited the Foster et al. study that proposed the session RPE-method. 36 studies have examined the validity and reliability of this proposed method using the modified CR-10.Conclusion: These studies confirmed the validity and good reliability and internal consistency of session-RPE method in several sports and physical activities with men and women of different age categories (children, adolescents, and adults) among various expertise levels. This method could be used as “standing alone” method for training load (TL) monitoring purposes though some recommend to combine it with other physiological parameters as heart rate.

Validity, Reliability, and Application of the Session-RPE Method for Quantifying Training Loads during High Intensity Functional Training

“…We propose that the multi-modal nature of HIFT requires that participants and practitioners looking to moderate training prescriptions within this exercise program will likely need such a method. Further, in contrast to the above-referenced investigations, these data indicate that this method is valid across individuals and sexes similar to recent work highlighting its validity for different age groups and populations [22]. While the significant associations present within this study are exciting, one must also consider the reliability of individuals’ ability to accurately perceive their level of effort within HIFT must also be of equal importance.…”

“…Both the interclass correlation coefficient (i.e., ICC = 0.583) and coefficient of agreement (i.e., 52%) indicate these participants were poor at matching the relative quartile of rate of perceived exertion with the corresponding relative quartile of percentage heart rate (e.g., correctly reporting 75th percentile of perceived exertion when training within 75th percentile of heart rate). In a pilot investigation, we have previously shown that novice participants may incorrectly perceive their level of effort early within HIFT interventions [22]. While the novelty of HIFT compared to other exercise modalities could contribute to the poor reliability within this study, evidence also suggests that within the higher intensity exercise domains (e.g., heavy or severe) individuals already have difficulty in reliably perceiving their level of physiological effort [33].…”

“…As others have reported, sRPE is particularly useful in sports activities where quantification of external loads is often difficult [19,22,30]. We propose that the multi-modal nature of HIFT requires that participants and practitioners looking to moderate training prescriptions within this exercise program will likely need such a method.…”

“…Rate of perceived exertion is a well-established metric of an individual’s perceived level of effort during a physical task commonly used to easily quantify TL during sports activities [19,20,21]. Further, using the session rating of perceived exertion method (sRPE) for quantifying TL demonstrates good validity and reliability across various populations and age groups [22]. However, despite its frequent use in other sports, the psychometric properties of sRPE method within HIFT are yet to be determined.…”

Ultra-Short-Term and Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Recording during Training Camps and an International Tournament in U-20 National Futsal Players

“…However, evaluation of recovery status is also receiving great attention in strength and conditioning coaches and sports scientists to optimize players' performance and understand the most appropriate periods to apply the right stimulus [23,24]. Session rating of perceive exertion (sRPE) and general wellness questionnaire (e.g., Hooper) are two common tools to assess the psychophysiological stress in responses to the training workload and individual perception of recovery status [25]. Measuring daily change of resting HRV can be used to understand the autonomic modulation in relation to consequence of training adaptation [10,26].…”