Use of rating of perceived exertion for determining plyometric exercises intensity in physically active men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to evaluate popular bilateral plyometric exercise intensities. Fourteen physically active men (age 20.64 ± 1.4 years; height 176.93 ± 6.83 cm; weight 75.28 ± 11.1 kg) volunteered to participate in this study and performed a set of ten repetitions plyometric exercises to depth jump from 35 cm box, 35 cm box jump, depth jump from 60 cm box, 60 cm box jump, pike jump, tuck jump, and squat jump in a session with 5-min rest in between exercises. RPE was measured following the completion of each exercise using 0–10 Borg RPE scale. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and the level of significant was set at p <0.05. The results indicated that squat jump was harder than other types of bilateral plyometric exercises such as 35 cm box jump, depth jump from 35 cm box, and tuck jump (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 35 cm box jump was easier than other plyometric exercises (p < 0.05). With regard to the results of this investigation, it can be recommended that athletes and strength and conditioning professionals use these findings to design plyometric training in their training schedule and keep in their mind that plyometric exercises have different intensities, however, the total volume was matched.