title: Dynamics of Perceived Exertion in Constant-Power Cycling: Time- and Workload-Dependent Thresholds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to test the dynamics of perceived exertion shifts (PES) as a function of time and workload during constant-power cycling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two participants assigned to 4 groups performed a cycling task at 4 different constant workloads corresponding to their individual rates of perceived exertion (RPEs = 13, 15, 17, and 19, respectively). PES ("increased"/"decreased" perceptions) without magnitude were reported when they occurred. PES "increased" percentages in different nonoverlapping temporal windows and for each workload were calculated to study the time- and workload-dependent relations, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A fluctuating PES dynamic characterized the cycling at RPE-13 and RPE-15. In contrast, a nonfluctuating PES dynamic characterized the cycling at RPE-17 and RPE-19. A time-dependent PES threshold, manifested as a switch from PES fluctuating to nonfluctuating dynamics, emerged in the RPE-15 condition near volitional exhaustion. A workload-dependent PES threshold occurred from RPE-15 to RPE-17.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Time- and workload-dependent thresholds were revealed studying the PES dynamics in constant cycling. Monitoring PES can complement or provide an alternative to the use of physiological measures for an accurate control of training workloads.
authors.affiliation: a INEFC Barcelona University.
authors.forename: Natàlia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Balagué
authors.affiliation: b University St. Cyril and Methodius.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hristovski
authors.affiliation: a INEFC Barcelona University.
authors.forename: Sergi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: a INEFC Barcelona University.
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aguirre
authors.affiliation: a INEFC Barcelona University.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vázquez
authors.affiliation: c Ball State University.
authors.forename: Selen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Razon
authors.affiliation: d Florida State University.
authors.forename: Gershon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tenenbaum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005080:Exercise Test; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload
keywords: dynamical systems; fluctuating dynamics; perceived effort shifts; voluntary exhaustion