Control of training loads through perceived exertion. Prediction of heart rate

Objective: To use the perceived exertion to control training loads and to predict indirectly the heart rate without the need for monitoring the player. Methods: Nine futsal Spanish players were included in the study. All were monitored for a minimum of 25 sessions during the season. Subjective perception of exertion was assessed daily using Borg's RPE scale. Results: The mean heart rate was 138 beats per minute (bpm), with a minimum value of 75.2% of the maximum heart rate, which is equivalent to 15 ("hard") on the RPE scale and to a mean value of perceived exertion of 15.06 +/- 2.01. Individual values indicate that there are players whose perceived exertion is above, below or consistent with their heart rate. The results obtained differentiate four training session groups according to the players' heart rate values and perceived exertion. We used these results to develop a formula for predicting heart rate without monitoring the player. Conclusion: Player's perceived exertion is not always consistent with their cardiovascular response. This demonstrates that training loads are not only perceived from the physiological perspective, but also from a psychological point of view.