The relation between the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Handgrip Strength among female students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Background: RPE scale can be used for self-assessing worker’s abilities in the workplace. When participants perform a task which transcends their ability, or the grip strength is not appropriate, they experience muscular tension and fatigue. Hand grip is a factor used for preventing muscular skeletal disorders in the upper limb. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between RPE and handgrip strength in female students.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 82 young female students enrolled using simple random sampling.  The Borg Scale, a dynamometer, pinch gauge, and treadmill were used to assess the RPE, grip strength, pinch strength, and workload, respectively. Participant’s grip endurance was specified through determining the maximum time (in seconds) that she could continue applying one-third of the maximum voluntary contraction. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 20, and using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients.   Results: The findings indicated that there was an inverse relation between RPE with grip (P = 0.011), pinch strength (P= 0.020) and age (P=0.005). Moreover, there was a direct relation between the RPE and heart rate (P=0.048). But, no significant relation was observed between the RPE with grip and pinch endurance, height, or BMI.   Conclusion: Based on the results, in jobs that require high grip and pinch strength, people with low RPE should be employed to reduce fatigue and muscular discomfort and improve health.