Validation of Omni scale of perceived exertion during prolonged cycling.

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to validate the OMNI ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale during prolonged cycle exercise when subjects were supplemented with either carbohydrate or placebo. Fifteen trained cyclists cycled for 2.5 h at approximately 60% maximal watts on two occasions while receiving 4 mL x kg(-1) x 15 min(-1) carbohydrate (6%) (C) or placebo (P) beverages in a randomized, counterbalanced design. Concurrent and construct validity was established by evaluating perceptual responses with both the OMNI and Borg RPE scales every 20 min throughout the trials. The pattern of change in RPE over time was significantly different between C and P ingestion (P < 0.05), with an attenuated RPE response in C found at the hundredth minute for both the OMNI and Borg scales. The pattern of change in the respiratory exchange ratio and carbohydrate oxidation rates were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the C than P condition. RPE-OMNI was positively and linearly related to the RPE-BORG; r = 0.60-0.98 (P < 0.01) throughout exercise for both the C and P conditions. Concurrent and construct evidence supports the use of the OMNI-cycle scale by adult men to estimate RPE during prolonged cycle exercise under differing conditions of carbohydrate supplementation.