Comparison of two Borg exertion scales for monitoring exercise intensity in able-bodied participants, and those with paraplegia and tetraplegia

Spinal Cord, 2021 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00642-4 · Published: May 26, 2021

Simple Explanation

The study aimed to compare two different scales used to measure how hard someone feels they are working during exercise. These scales are Borg’s 6–20 RPE scale and the Category Ratio 10 (CR10). The researchers wanted to see if these scales could be used interchangeably in both able-bodied individuals and those with spinal cord injuries (paraplegia and tetraplegia). The study also investigated whether the perceived exertion at certain metabolic thresholds (LT1 and LT2) differed between these groups and exercise types.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 participants: 8 able-bodied, 8 with paraplegia, and 8 with tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Level 3: Cross-sectional cohort study

Key Findings

1
The study found a strong association between Borg’s RPE scale and CR10, suggesting they can be used interchangeably.
2
The relationship between the scales was best described by a quadratic model and was independent of exercise type (upper vs. lower body) and participant group (able-bodied, paraplegia, tetraplegia).
3
Perceived exertion at lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) did not differ significantly between the groups, despite differences in oxygen uptake at these thresholds.

Research Summary

This study compared Borg's RPE scale and CR10 in able-bodied individuals and those with spinal cord injuries during different exercise types. It found a strong relationship between the two scales, suggesting they can be used interchangeably for monitoring exercise intensity. Although perceived exertion at lactate thresholds was similar across groups, individual variation limits the ability to prescribe a single RPE value for homogenous exercise intensity.

Practical Implications

Interchangeable Use of RPE Scales

The findings support the interchangeable use of Borg's RPE scale and CR10 in both able-bodied individuals and those with spinal cord injuries, aiding in exercise intensity prescription.

RPE for Home-Based Exercise

For the general population with SCI, an RPE of 11 (Borg) or 2 (CR10) for paraplegia and 10 (Borg) or 3 (CR10) for tetraplegia can be recommended for exercising at LT1 to aid the implementation of home-based exercise programs.

Individualized Training

Athletes requiring specific adaptations should have their individual relationship between RPE, oxygen uptake, and blood lactate concentration assessed to tailor their training prescription accordingly.

Study Limitations

1
Groups were not matched for age or fitness level.
2
There were no sedentary or untrained participants with SCI.
3
The protocol for eliciting peak exercise responses was not consistent between the testing sites.

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