RPEscores

RPEscores is a standardized metric designed to quantify training load and exertion by integrating subjective effort with objective indicators. Building on the concept of the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPEscores aim to provide a single, comparable value that can be used across individuals, sessions, and modalities in sports, fitness, and rehabilitation settings.

Calculation of an RPEscore typically involves a weighted combination of components collected from the workout session. A common approach expresses the score as: RPEscore = w1 × RPE_norm + w2 × HR_norm + w3 × duration_norm + w4 × recovery_index. RPE_norm represents the user’s perceived effort on a standardized scale (for example 6–20 or 0–10) normalized to a 0–1 range. HR_norm is heart rate during the session relative to the individual’s age-predicted maximum. duration_norm reflects session length in relation to typical workout duration, and recovery_index may incorporate indicators such as post-exercise heart rate, sleep quality, or HRV. Some implementations adjust weights to suit sport, population, or monitoring goals.

Applications of RPEscores span athletic training, physical education, and clinical rehabilitation. Coaches and clinicians use the score to monitor acute load, track trends over time, and adjust training progression or rehabilitation milestones. Data may be captured by wearables, smartphones, or manual entry, enabling longitudinal analysis and cross-individual comparisons.

Limitations include reliance on subjective reporting, which can vary with motivation, mood, and experience. Sensor accuracy and algorithm choices affect the components. As a composite measure, RPEscores should be used alongside other metrics rather than as a sole determinant of training decisions.