The rate of perceived exertion scale is widely used in various clinical settings, from prescribing exercise intensity to assessing physiological variables such as heart rate or volume of oxygen uptake. For example, a study done by Steed et al. (1994) found that the RPE scale was a physiologically valid instrument used in determining appropriate levels of exercise with respect to lactate threshold or blood lactate concentrations as the intensity criterion.
The RPE scale is an important tool used in rehabilitation settings since overall exertion, breathlessness, pain, and fatigue must all be accounted for. A RPE value that a patient provides gives the clinician an idea of the amount of strain or level of exhaustion he/she is experiencing.
