Ueda, T., Nabetani, T., & Teramoto, K. (2003). An evaluation of visual analog scales for the measurement of perceived exertion during exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 314.

Visual analog scale (VAS) utility was evaluated during cycling and running. Healthy males (N = 12) were measured for VO2max during ergometer cycling and treadmill running. Ss were subjected to three levels of exercise intensity for cycling (48.5, 63, and 76.7%VO2max) and running (50.6, 60.5, and 71.5% VO2max). Perceived exertion was measured using Borg's Rating of Physical Exertion and four kinds of visual analog indictors were used. "The first VASI asked subjects to mark overall levels of perceived exertion on a line from '0%' to '100%'. VAS2 asked for an indication of the relative strength of central or local pain. VAS3 compared breathing difficulty and heart pain. Finally, VAS4 asked for a comparison of arm pain and leg pain" (p. S58). Each VAS was a 20 cm line with appropriate labels at each end.

There were no significant differences between cycling and running in VO2, heart rate, and the Borg Scale ratings. Blood lactates differed between the two forms of exercise. Visual analog scale estimates also differed between the exercises. At moderate levels of intensity, VAS appeared to be more sensitive than Borg Scale ratings.

Implication. Visual analog scales appear to be more sensitive to factors in moderate intensity exercise than the singular Borg Scale.

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