Effect of Beta Adrenergic Blockade on Ratings of Perceived Exertion

摘要

The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of beta blockade and endurance training on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Forty-seven healthy but sedentary male subjects, age 17 to 34 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups, i.e. placebo, propranolol (160 mg/day) and atenolol (100 mg/day), and completed a 15-week endurance training program. Training responses were evidenced in all groups by increases in maximal oxygen uptake and ventilation, along with a reduction in maximal heart rate. RPE was significantly reduced post-training in both the blocked and unblocked conditions. However, RPE for the same relative work rate was unchanged in all three groups. Thus, beta blockade does not attenuate the normal physiological response to endurance training, nor does it affect RPE when expressed in relative terms. Therefore, RPE can be used in exercise prescription to monitor relative exercise intensity.