Perceived exertion in different strength exercise loads in sedentary, active, and trained adults.

The aim was to analyze the relationship between the perceived exertion (PE) and different loads in strength exercises (SEs), in sedentary, active, and trained adult subjects. Thirty young men (18-34 years) were divided into 3 groups (experimental group [EG]): sedentary EG (SEG), physically active group (PAG), and the strength trained group (STG). Maximum strength was established using the 1 repetition maximum test (1RM). Using series of 12 repetitions, different loads were applied until the 4 ratings of PE (RPEs) (11, 13, 15, and 17) from 15 category Borg Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE 6-20). The pace of the repetitions and the intervals between the sets were controlled, the loads were blind, the order of the RPE randomized, whereas the PE was localized and determined after completion of the series. Strength correlations between the RPE and the %1RM, according to the EGs and SEs (0.826-0.922, p < 0.001), were observed. Similar behavior was seen in the SEs. Higher loads are related to higher RPEs and are differentiated between the EGs. The STG used higher %1RM when compared to the SEG, whereas the PAG, displayed an intermediary behavior in relation to the other groups. The use of PE represents a reliable instrument for the measurement of intensity in strength training.