Alcevedo, E. O., & Hayman, M. (1996). Effort sense, arousal, and running velocities at relative oxygen consumptions in well trained runners. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 801.

Aerobic factors were measured in nine well-trained runners on three occasions. Parameters were evaluated under a VO2max test and running velocities (RV) which corresponded to 70% VO2max and 80% VO2max. Perceived exertion was measured using Thayer's Aerobic factors in nine well-trained runners on three occasions. Parameters were evaluated under a VO2max test and running velocities which corresponded to 70% and 80% VO2max. Perceived exertion was measured using Thayer's Activation-Deactivation Checklist (1967) (energetic arousal and tension arousal). Race time (10 km) was known for each S.

The running velocities at 70% and 80% VO2max were negatively correlated with 10 Km race time and VO2max was not related to race time. The size of the correlation coefficients (-.90 and -.96 respectively) suggest that these tests are better prognosticators of race performance than absolute VO2max value. Energetic arousal was related negatively to race time. No other significant relationships were revealed.

Implication. In runners with similar VO2max capacities, run velocities at percentages of VO2max differ. Velocities are better related to race times than VO2max values. Using energetic arousal as an index of RPE, it was found to be higher in slower runners only at 70% VO2max. The RPE measure used in this study was not sensitive to running speeds and effort.

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