Abstract

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were compared while fifteen highly fit male subjects climbed up (positive work) and down (negative work) a motor-driven ladder, and while stool-stepping. The ladder was inclined at 30o from the vertical with the climbing rates for both positive and negative work being 7 1/2, 10 1/2 and 14 1/2 m/min. These climbing rates were performed by all subjects for positive and negative work using either a foot-over-foot climb (regular climb) or while climbing both feet to each rung (stepping climb). When similar climbing methods were compared at equivalent climbing rates, the RPE like the oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) for positive work was greater than that for negative work. However, when negative work stepping climb was compared to positive work regular climb, the RPE did not differ significantly. It was hypothesized that feelings of strain and discomfort in the working muscles and joints during negative work stepping climb became a dominant factor in the setting of the RPE. Although much less costly metabolically, negative work (stepping climb) was perceived to be equally streddful as positive work (regular climb). Although stool-stepping involves both a positive and negative work component for unidirectional climb at the same as ladder climbing, the RPE for stool stepping similar to the VO2 cost seems to summate both components rather than be an intermediate value. Verf.-Referat