RPE--HR TABLES ARE INACCURATE

Dimbar, C. C., & Khodorkovsky, B. (1998). Target RPE for exercise prescriptions should be based on individual perceptual responses. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 32.

Tables relating %HRmax to RPE measures were shown to be inaccurate in 56 graded exercise tests. Such tables should not be used for prescribing exercise intensities.

Implication. Exercise intensities prescribed from RPE scores should only be made after each individual's HR ranges are determined for RPE ranges. The assumption that exercise intensities are truly represented by HR/RPE tables is incorrect.

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