APPENDIX
G
PERCEIVED EXERTION
The heart rate has traditionally been used to estimate exercise intensity.
However, evidence shows that a person’s own perception of the intensity of his
exercise can often be just as accurate as the heart rate in gauging his exercise
intensity. The scale in Figure G-1 lets a soldier rate his degree of perceived
exertion .( PE.). This scale consists of numerical ratings for physical exercise
followed by their associated descriptive ratings.
To
judge perceived exertion, estimate how difficult it feels to do the exercise. Do
not be concerned with any one single factor such as shortness of breath or work
intensity. Instead, try to concentrate on the total inner feeling of exertion.
Multiplying the rating of perceived exertion by 10 roughly approximates the
heart rate during exercise. For example, a PE of 14, when multiplied by 10,
equals 140. Most soldiers with THRs between 130 and 170 BPM would exercise
between a PE of 13 (somewhat hard) and 17 (very hard).
Although either percent of maximum heart rate or perceived exertion may be used
during exercise, the most valid method for calculating THR is percent HRR. | 
