Utility of exertional perception with special reference to underwater exercise

This review deals with the utility of exertional perceptions with special reference to underwater exercise. The introduction serves to highlight the heuristic and parsimonious nature of Borg's Perceived Exertion Model and this- includes a focus on the psychophysiological nature of this model. The principal purpose of this review was to summarize a series of underwater studies since this research has not been examined systematically in earlier reviews. Selected theoretical tenets of Borg's Model, along with empirical evidence attesting to the efficacy of this model is reviewed first. This is followed by a discussion diselected methodological issues with special reference to the matter of instructional set, applications of the model in training programs, and a I review of research involving the hypnotic perturbation of effort sense. The use of exertional perceptions underwater becomes the focus of this review, and a series of experiments conducted under hyperbaric conditions is then examined. Most of this research has involved underwater finning under controlled conditions in a swimming pool along with one experiment carried out on an underwater ergometer: This research suggests that possible gender differences may exist in the expression of exertional ratings and there is clear evidence that environmental factors (e.g., water temperature, clothing) have an important influence on exertional ratings underwater. It is concluded that psychological states and traits, physiological responses, gender and environmental conditions interact in a complex manner to influence exertional perceptions in underwater environments.