Correlation Between Borg's Rate Of Perceived Exertion And V̇O2max in Indian Male Medical Students

Background & Objectives: Maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) is regarded as the gold standard for the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness level. Borg’s rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is another parameter used to assess the physical fitness and regulation of exercise intensity. The objective of the study is to assess and evaluate the correlation between Borg’s RPE & V̇O2max in young Indian male medical students and to validate the Borg’s RPE as a criterion to regulate the exercise intensity. Method: 100 subjects from a tertiary care hospital of Greater Mumbai, in the age group of 18-22 years were included in the study. Subjects undertook the Queen’s College step-test for 3 minutes. After each minute, the subjects were asked to rate their exertion on Borg’s RPE scale. After the test, heart rate was recorded and V̇O2max was computed indirectly employing the Queen’s step test formula. The correlation between Borg’s RPE, heart rate and V̇O2max was evaluated using Spearman Correlation Test. Results: Borg’s RPE showed significantly positive correlation with heart rate (ρ= 0.715; p<0.0001) and significantly negative correlation with V̇O2max (ρ = - 0.715; p