Perceived Exertion is Lower in Running than Walking at the Same Heart Rate and Lactate Level

The purpose of this study was to examine perceived effort at various intensities in human walking and running. Fifteen male subjects participated in this study. Two progressive protocols were randomized, starting at a treadmill speed of 3 Metabolic Equivalents (METs) to Measure Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Heart Rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration. From these data, RPE was estimated at an intensity corresponding to Fixed Heart Rate (FHR; 120, 130, 140, 150 bpm) and Fixed Blood Lactate Concentrations (FBLCs; 2 and 3 mM) from the individual regression line.