The RPE Scale is a common method for determining exercise intensity levels. The scale is based on the research of Borg, and is sometimes called the Borg Scale. It is commonly used in some research studies for that purpose, but may also be used in training programs to describe the intensity of training sessions. The scale of perceived exertion is how hard you feel your body is working, and so is a subjective measure.
There are several versions of this scale. Below is shown the category-ratio version with the ratings between 0 (nothing at all) and 10 (very very hard). This is also called the Borg CR10 Scale. There is another very similar RPE scale also developed by Borg, with the ratings between 6-20, and the CR100 (centiMax) scale, a more finely-graded scale. See also novel variations of this scale using hand signals.
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References
- Borg GAV. Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion and Pain Scales. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1998.
Related Pages
- See more about using the RPE scales, including another very similar RPE scale, with the ratings between 6-20, and the Borg CR100 (centiMax) Scale — a more fine-graded CR-Scale.
- See also the variation of this 10 point scale using hand signals, and Rob's 5-Point Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale
- Reps in Reserve (RIR) — how many more strength lifts can you do?
- Resistance Training RPE — a subjective tool combining RPE and RIR, for determining resistance training intensity levels.
- PA-R, a scale for rating physical activity.
- Rating of Fatigue — a scale for measuring fatigue
- Other athlete questionnaires
- About the Likert Scale