Perception of effort monitors internal load during compounded circuit training

–The aim of this study was to determine if rating of perceived exertion (RPE) could be used to monitor the internal load during compounded circuit training (CCT) sessions in women. Thirteen young adults women performed three sessions of CCT varying the intensity according to participants’ maximum heart rate (50, 70 and 90%HRmax). Throughout the main part of CCT (35min), HR and RPE were measured. Both variables were significantly different among the exercise intensities. However, HR and RPE were not correlated. Probably because HR at the end of exercise was similar to the beginning at 90% and 70% of HRmax intensities, and lower than the beginning instant at 50% of HRmax intensity, whereas RPE increased from the beginning instant to the end of exercise for all intensities. Therefore, RPE is suitable to monitor the internal load during CCT sessions in women due to its possibility to detect the (in)tolerance to exercise, despite of the lack of correlation with HR.