Glossary: Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a quantitive measure for the physical exertion of an activity. This rating is frequently used in studies and is measured by the Borg rating or RPE scale. The range of 6-20 follows the heart rate of a healthy young adult (by multiplying with 10).

RPE scale

• 6 – No exertion at all
• 7 – Extremely light
• 8
• 9 – Very light
• 10
• 11 – Light
• 12
• 13 – Somewhat hard
• 14
• 15 – Hard
• 16
• 17 – Very hard
• 18
• 19 – Extremely hard
• 20 – Maximal exertion

References

1. Borg, G. (1982) Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 14 (5), p. 377-81
2. Borg, G. et al. (1983) A category-ratio perceived exertion scale: relationship to blood and muscle lactates and heart rate. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 15 (6), p. 523-528
3. Borg, G. (1970) Perceived Exertion as an indicator of somatic stress. Scandinavian journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2 (2), p. 92-98