RPEarviointi

RPEarviointi is a method used to assess the intensity of physical activity based on an individual's subjective sense of effort, breathlessness, and fatigue. It is widely applied in sports science, rehabilitation, and clinical exercise settings to tailor training prescriptions and monitor progress without relying solely on objective measurements such as heart rate or oxygen consumption.

The most common formats are the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scales, notably the CR10 and the original 6–20 scale. The CR10 is a category-rized version that allows fractions and descriptive labels, while the 6–20 scale is designed so that approximate heart rate can be estimated by multiplying the RPE value by ten (roughly). Practitioners use RPEarviointi by asking individuals to rate their effort at a given moment or after a set period of activity, and these values are recorded to guide subsequent training intensity, volume, or progression. RPE is often combined with objective measures to provide a more complete picture of exertion and fitness status.

Applications vary from endurance and resistance training to rehabilitation programs, where RPE helps accommodate day-to-day fluctuations in performance, motivation, and recovery. It is particularly useful when devices are impractical, when working with populations that may have impaired ability to communicate, or when medications influence physiological responses.

Limitations include the subjective nature of the measure, which can be influenced by mood, temperature, and cultural or language factors. Familiarization sessions improve reliability, and RPEarviointi should be interpreted alongside other indicators such as pace, distance, and heart rate for best results. See also Borg scale and exercise prescription.