Perceived Exertion: Recent Advances and Novel Applications in Children and Adults

Since 2008, there have been significant advances to assess the efficacy of the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to predict maximal oxygen uptake or estimate the time to volitional exhaustion in adults. The principle of using the relationship of submaximal RPE values with the performance criterion of interest has also been applied successfully to estimate maximal strength in adults and children. This short note describes how these studies have further confirmed the predictive efficacy of the RPE. Potential studies which may enhance our understanding of perceived exertion in children are also described.