Sex‐ and age‐related differences in the rating of perceived exertion after high‐intensity rowing exercise during childhood and adolescence.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of age and sex on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during high‐intensity exercise and determine whether mechanical and physiological parameters could be predictors of RPE during childhood and adolescence. Forty‐three boys and 36 girls performed a 60‐s all‐out test on a rowing ergometer and were categorized by age group (10.0–11.9; 12.0–13.9; 14.0–15.9; 16.0–17.9 years) and sex. Ratings of perceived exertion were assessed using the 6–20 RPE and CR‐10 scales and analyzed with respect to mechanical work rate (Wtot), post‐exercise peak blood lactate concentration ([La]peak), and peak minute ventilation (V̇Epeak). Multilevel regression modeling revealed a significant influence of Wtot, [La]peak and V̇Epeak on 6–20 RPE and CR‐10 scores (r2 =.34 and.36, p <.001, respectively). However, while boys perceived high‐intensity exercise as being subjectively more difficult than girls at all ages (p <.05) except 12.0–13.9 years, significant higher mechanical work rate and greater associated metabolic responses in boys than girls were only found from the age of 14 years (Wtot and V̇Epeak) or 16 years ([La]peak), suggesting that the association between RPE and mechanical/physiological parameters could not be held before the age of 12 years. To conclude, RPE increased with increasing age, with boys exhibiting higher scores than girls at all ages except 12.0–13.9 years. This finding is probably explained by the higher Wtot and greater concomitant metabolic responses in boys at the time of puberty. However, other factors should be considered at least in children before the age of 12 years. Our finding provides new evidence that the rating of perceived exertion during high‐intensity exercise increases from childhood into late adolescence and is higher in boys than in girls at all ages except between 12 and 14 years. This result was found to be associated with age‐ and sex‐related changes in mechanical and physiological responses and should be considered to better understand the adherence of children to physical activity with respect to their age, sex, and maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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