How Rowers Measure Their Effort: A Closer Look

Athletes often use their own feelings to measure how hard they train. This is called a subjective scale. It is easy to use and can be a good addition to more scientific methods. But how reliable is it? A recent study looked at how well rowers can rate their own effort during training. The study focused on professional rowers and their training sessions. It compared their ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) with both internal and external measures of training load. Internal measures include things like heart rate, while external measures might involve how much work they do. The study also checked if these ratings were consistent and accurate across different types of training. The idea was that sRPE would be most reliable in ergometer training, where heart rate responses are more stable.But is this method really reliable? The study suggests that it can be, especially in certain types of training. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Rowing is a tough sport. It requires a lot of strength and endurance. Training is intense, and athletes need to monitor their effort carefully. This is where subjective scales come in. They provide a quick and easy way to assess training load. But how do these scales compare to more objective methods? The study found that sRPE can be a useful tool, but it is not perfect. It is important to consider the type of training and the individual athlete. In the end, the study highlights the importance of using multiple methods to monitor training. Subjective scales can be a valuable addition, but they should not be relied upon alone.