What is the purpose of the rating of perceived exertion?

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a subjective method used to determine an individual's perception of effort during physical activity. It allows participants to self-assess how hard they feel they are working, based on factors such as physical sensations, fatigue, and overall exertion during exercise. This rating helps trainers and exercise scientists gauge the intensity of an individual's workout without the need for equipment or monitoring heart rate.

This subjective measure is often useful in tailoring exercise programs to suit an individual's fitness level and capacity, enabling adjustments in real time based on their feedback. For instance, someone who rates their exertion as high might need a reduction in intensity, whereas someone rating it as low might be encouraged to increase their effort.

The other options focus on distinct aspects of exercise assessment, such as monitoring heart rate or evaluating fitness levels, which do not directly relate to the subjective experience of effort that RPE is designed to capture.