Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Heart Rates During Short-Term Cycle Exercise and Their Use in a New Cycling Strength Test*

TLDR

Interest in short‑term maximal exercise capacity tests has risen in recent years. The study examined heart‑rate and perceived‑exertion responses during 30‑second work‑load bouts and their ability to predict maximal performance. A differential test using submaximal ratings estimated 30‑second exercise intensity, which was validated and then adjusted via an intensity‑time function, and the resulting performance was compared to standard submaximal ergometer and dynamic strength tests.

Abstract

Interest in tests of short-term maximal exercise capacity has increased during recent years. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to study how heart rates and ratings of perceived exertion increase during a work test when the subjects only have to exercise at each work load for 0.5 min and to study predictability of maximal performances. A differential test is obtained by using a series of submaximal ratings to estimate the exercise intensity that can be maintained for only 30 s. The validity of the estimated intensity was checked by having the subject exercise at that load. The test time obtained was then used to correct the estimated exercise intensity according to the general function describing the relation between exercise intensity and exercise time for maximal performances. In the validation the test performances were compared to results from (a) common submaximal ergometer test, and (b) a special test measuring dynamic muscular strength.