title: Perceived exertion is related to muscle activity during leg extension exercise.
abstract: This study examined the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and muscle activity during dynamic leg extension exercise using a resistance exercise specific OMNI-RPE scale. Twenty volunteers (10 males, 10 females, age 22.2 +/- 3.1 yr) performed one set of leg extension exercise at 30%, 60%, and 90% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM). OMNI-RPE responses were assessed for both the active muscle (OMNI-AM) and the overall body (OMNI-O) following each intensity. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis muscles. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant OMNI-RPE (region) X intensity interaction (p < 0.01). Both OMNI-AM and OMNI-O increased with exercise intensity, and RPE-AM was higher than RPE-O at all intensities. EMG activity increased with exercise intensity in all muscle groups (all p < 0.01). Muscle activity was significantly and positively related to OMNI-RPE in both the active muscle and overall body (all p < 0.01). The OMNI-Res RPE scale may be a promising technique for regulating resistance training intensity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies, Newman College of Higher Education, Bartley Green, Birmingham, United Kingdom. m.j.duncan@newman.ac.uk
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Yahya
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Al-Nakeeb
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scurr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*