What does the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale measure?

The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale measures a person's subjective evaluation of exercise intensity. This scale, which typically ranges from 6 to 20, allows individuals to rate their level of exertion based on their personal feelings and perceptions during physical activity. It provides an insight into how hard someone feels they are working, which can be influenced by factors such as physical sensations (like fatigue and breathlessness) and mental state.

Utilizing the RPE scale is particularly beneficial because it takes into account individual differences and varying fitness levels, providing a personalized measure of intensity. This makes it a valuable tool for both athletes and those engaging in exercise for health reasons, as it helps individuals to monitor their exertion in real-time and adjust their efforts accordingly.

Other options, like a standard measurement of heart rate or a fixed scale for performance metrics, focus on more objective measures that do not account for personal feelings toward effort. Additionally, a device for monitoring physical activity suggests the use of technology rather than the internal perception assessed by the RPE scale.