Validation of a facial pictorial rating of perceived exertion scale for evaluating physical tasks

A new pictorial rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale that focuses on the facial expression of effort was developed for evaluating physical tasks. This study aimed to examine the concurrent validity and construct validity of the facial pictorial RPE scale. Twenty-two males and eighteen females were recruited. Concurrent validity was established by correlating the scale with respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) responses to a load-incremented cycle ergometer protocol. Construct validity was established by correlating RPE derived from the facial pictorial RPE scale with RPE derived from the Borg scale. Both concurrent and construct evidence supported the use of the facial pictorial RPE scale by males and females to estimate RPE during the incremental cycle ergometer test. This validation implies that adult participants could establish the link between the symbolic representation of pictorial faces and the sensory cues provided by HR and RR.