The application of differential ratings of perceived exertion to Australian Football League matches

ObjectivesTo investigate the application of differential ratings of perceived exertion for the examination of internal load during Australian Football League (AFL) matches.DesignSingle cohort, observational study.MethodsUsing the centiMax rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, 26 professional AFL players provided ratings for match exertion (RPE-M), along with differential ratings for breathlessness (RPE-B), leg exertion (RPE-L), and technical demand (RPE-T) following 129 matches (5.0 ± 1.6 matches per player). Global positioning satellite (GPS) and accelerometer measures were also collected. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferences.ResultsRPE scores were 93.0 ± 8.2 AU (RPE-M), 89.0 ± 11.0 AU (RPE-B), 91.5 ± 9.8 AU (RPE-L), and 87.0 ± 10.0 AU (RPE-T). There was a most likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-T (5.5%; ±90% confidence limits 1.9%), a likely small difference between RPE-L and RPE-B (3.5%; ±1.5%) and a possibly small difference between RPE-B and RPE-T (1.9%; ±1.9%). Within-player correlations between RPE and GPS measures were small for RPE-M (r = 0.14–0.28), unclear to small for RPE-B (r = 0.06–0.24) and unclear to moderate for RPE-L (r = 0.06–0.37). Differential RPE's combined to explain 76% of the variance in RPE-M. For all RPE scores, within-player variability was moderate to high (typical error: 7.9–12.4%), and the thresholds for a likely between-match change were 8.8–13.7%.ConclusionsAs differential RPE's represent distinct sensory inputs, the collection of these scores facilitate the interpretation of internal match loads and therefore represent a valuable addition to match data collection procedures. Moderate to high within-player variability should be considered when interpreting between-match changes in all RPE scores.