EFFECT OF PEDALING RATE ON PERCEIVED EXERTION AND HEART RATE IN MAXIMAL INCREMENTAL TEST

MONTENEGRO, R. A.; FARINATTI, P. T. V.; FONTES, E. B.; GURGEL, J. L.; PORTO, F.; LUZ, L. G. O.; ITABORAHY, A. S.; OKANO, A. H. Effect of pedaling rate on perceived exertion and heart rate in maximal incremental test. Brazilian Journal of Biomotricity. v. 5, n. 3, p. 200-209, 2011. It is known that pedaling cadence affects the mechanical efficiency, the levels of blood lactate, heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption. However, information about how pedaling cadence influences the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is still scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the responses of maximum power, HR and RPE achieved during maximal incremental tests (ITmax), 50 and 100 rpm, with 15W/min up to voluntary exhaustion. The sample (n = 7) comprised physically active individuals (20.4 ± 2.2 years, 73.1 ± 8.3 kg and 176.8 ± 4.6 cm). Were performed two ITmax in cycle ergometer, with cadences of 50 and 100 rpm, performed in random order (minimum of 48 hours between tests). The results showed that RPE was higher in tests with cadence of 100 rpm, but at the end of the test, the RPE did not presented differences between the cadences. Likewise, no significant difference was found in maximal HR (50rpm: 183±7,81bpm vs. 100rpm: 185,6±8,1bpm). Already in submaximal intensities, the HR was higher in the test at 100 rpm. Can conclude that the RPE and HR are influenced by the PC, is higher according to the increase in cadence. This demonstrates the applicability of the use of RPE for monitoring the intensity of effort in exercise programs performed in cycle.