Perceived exertion and metabolic responses of women during aerobic dance exercise

The relationship between ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and metabolic responses was examined during aerobic dance exercise with combined arm and leg movements. 16 women with previous aerobic dance instructional experience performed three consecutive trials of 8 min. each of aerobic dance exercise at a cadence of 124 and 138 beats.min.-1. Estimates of RPE reported at the end of each trial were significantly different across the trials while heart rate and % maximum heart rate were significantly different between Trials 1 and 3. Correlations and partial correlations between RPE and all metabolic variables were not significant across trials and with trials combined except for ventilation. Results indicated that RPE should not be used singularly as an indicator of exercise intensity during aerobic dance exercise.