Effect of Pedal Rate and Power Output on Rating of Perceived Exertion during Cycle Ergometry Exercise

• Published in: Perceptual and motor skills 2005-12, Vol.101 (3), p.827-834
• Main Authors: Hamer, Mark, Boutcher, Yati N., Boutcher, Stephen H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Anxiety - psychology; Arousal; Bicycling; Electrocardiography; Exercise; Exercise - psychology; Exercise Test - psychology; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Physical Exertion; Physiological psychology
• ISSN: 0031-5125; 1558-688X
• DOI: 10.2466/pms.101.3.827-834

This study examined differentiated rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate, and heart-rate variability during light cycle ergometry exercise at two different pedal rates. 30 healthy men (22.6 ± 0.9 yr.) were recruited from a student population and completed a continuous 20-min. cycle ergometry exercise protocol, consisting of a 4-min. warm-up (60 rev./min., 30 Watts), followed by four bouts of 4 min. at different combinations of pedal rate (40 or 80 rev./min.) and power output (40 or 80 Watts). The order of the four combinations was counterbalanced across participants. Heart rate was measured using a polar heart-rate monitor, and parasympathetic balance was assessed through time series analysis of heart-rate variability. Measures were compared using a 2 (pedal rate) × 2 (power output) repeated-measures analysis of variance. RPE was significantly greater (p < .05) at 80 versus 40 rev./min. at 40 W. For both power outputs heart rate was significantly increased, and the high frequency component of heart-rate variability was significandy reduced at 80 compared with 40 rev./min. These findings indicate the RPE was greater at higher than at lower pedalling rates for a light absolute power output which contrasts with previous findings based on use of higher power output. Also, pedal rate had a significant effect on heart rate and heart-rate variability at constant power output.