Gearhart, R. F., & Becque, M. D. (2003). Ratings of perceived exertion at relative oxygen uptakes following cognitive and physiological anchoring. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 309.

College students (M = 3; F = 4) were assigned to a cognitive anchoring group. They received only verbal instructions before a maximal treadmill test. Another group (M = 2; F = 3) experienced physiological anchoring, which comprised the same verbal instructions as the other group but the instructions were received while performing the test. The low perceptual anchor was established during light walking while the high perceptual anchor was established at volitional termination. Percent VO2max was established for RPE levels of 13, 15, and 17.

Percent VO2max did not differ between groups at any RPE level. Cognitive anchoring was just as effective as physiological anchoring for establishing work levels in graded maximal intensity treadmill exercise.

Implication. Instructions about work levels can be effective for directing particular work rates.

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