Effect of contraction velocity on eccentric phase on rating of perceived exertion

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the influence of execution speed on the subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the volume of repetitions at different velocities. Methods: The sample consisted of 10 male volunteers (23.4 ± 5.4 years), with at least 6 months of experience in strength training. The participants were submitted to three exercise protocols on the bench press, performing 8 sets of up to 8 repetitions with intensity of 60% of 1RM at different speeds of movement execution: slow cadence (6020), moderate cadence (2020) and free cadence with interval of 72 hours between the experimental conditions. Were evaluated the RPE (using the RPE-OMNI scale) and the repetition volume performed in each series and protocol. Results: The number of repetitions performed in the protocols of slow and moderate cadence was lower when compared to the free protocol (p <0.05) from the 2nd and 6th series, respectively. The RPE in the slow cadence protocol was higher when compared to the other cadences (p <0.05). Conclusion: The protocols of slow and moderate cadence significantly reduce the number of repetitions performed and a subjective perception of greater effort when compared with free cadence.