Krieger, A. E., Stenson, M. C., & Fischer, D. V. (2013). Relationship between rate of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentration in female cross country runners. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 1226.

This study examined how closely the rating of perceived exertion corresponds to blood lactate concentration in Division III female cross-country runners (N = 14) during a progressive treadmill test. All Ss finished in the top half of the team’s 2.5 mile time-trial at the beginning of the season. Ss performed a progressive treadmill test to assess blood lactate levels and rating of perceived exertion, with blood sampling every two minutes.

Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant, positive correlation between rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate levels (r = .849).

Implication. The strong relationship between rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate suggests that blood lactate concentration may be a physiological mediator of the perception of exertion during dynamic exercise such as running.

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