title: Age-Related Differences in OMNI-RPE Scale Validity in Youth: A Longitudinal Analysis.
abstract: RPE scales are used in exercise science research to assess perceptions of physical effort. RPE scale validity has been evaluated by assessing correlations between RPE and physiological indicators. Cross-sectional studies indicate that RPE scale validity improves with age; however, this has not been studied longitudinally.
  
  
  
  This study aimed to examine age-related trends in OMNI-RPE scale validity, using a longitudinal study design, and HR and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) as criterion measures.
  
  
  
  Participants performed eleven 5-min activity trials at baseline, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up (V˙O2 data: N = 160; HR data: N = 138). HR and V˙O2 between minutes 2.5 and 4.5 of each activity were recorded. At the end of each activity, participants reported RPE. Children were stratified into the following age-groups: 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and ≥13 yr. Within-subject correlations between OMNI-RPE and HR/V˙O2 were calculated at each time point. Differences between correlations for consecutive time points were evaluated using 95% confidence intervals.
  
  
  
  Among children age 6-8 yr at baseline, correlations progressed from 0.67 to 0.78 (V˙O2) and from 0.70 to 0.79 (HR) for 36 months. Among children age 9-10 yr at baseline, the mean within-subject correlation was 0.78 at baseline and 0.81 at 36-month follow-up. Among children age 11-12 and ≥13 yr at baseline, OMNI-RPE ratings demonstrated strong validity (r ≥ 0.82) at each time point.
  
  
  
  For the 36-month follow-up, OMNI-RPE scale validity improved among children age 6-8 yr at baseline and remained strong among children age 9-10, 11-12, and ≥13 yr at baseline. Moderate correlations for the youngest participants suggest that caution should be used when interpreting OMNI-RPE reports from children younger than 8 yr.
authors.affiliation: 1Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; 2Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI; and 3Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR; 4School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gammon
authors.forename: Karin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pivarnik
authors.forename: Rebecca W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Kelly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Stewart G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Trost
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*