Modalities of Submaximal Exercises on Ratings of Perceived Exertion by Young Girls: A Pilot Study

This pilot study compared the rating of perceived exertion scores (RPE) in young girls for two modalities of exercises (running vs cycling) performed at the same absolute heart rate. 23 girls, ages 8 to 11 years, from a gymnastic club performed graded, intermittent, and submaximal running and cycling exercises at a similar absolute heart rate (+/-5 bpm). These exercises consisted of three stages of 3 min. duration separated by 1-min. recovery intervals. RPE was estimated using the Children's Effort Rating Table scale at the end of each stage of each exercise. Mean ratings were only significantly different during cycling, compared to running for the Stage 3 (cycling 5.3+/-2.7 and running 7.0+/-1.9, p < .05). During low exercise intensity, measured as heart rate, the modality of exercise does not seem to affect RPE. In contrast, with high heart rates, RPE are higher during cycling than running, so it is necessary to take account of the type of exercise.