Abstract

The ability to control and monitor the perception of training load is an important aspect of effective coaching.

Purpose: To examine the relation between OMNI ratings of perceived exertion and MET levels of intensity measures throughout a series of collegiate basketball drills.

Methods: 16 collegiate female basketball players (age 19.2±1.2 years) participated in this investigation. Participants engaged a 30-minute basketball skills session. The 30-minute basketball workout was created to simulate the high intensity environment of a Division I practice or game. Drills were selected to reflect the major skills needed to play the game of basketball. Each drill was also chosen because of its widespread use in the college basketball setting. The drills included progressive defensive slides, half court speed lay-ups, the Mikan drill, half court dribbling drill, toss out shooting drill, medicine ball plyometrics, and conditioning sprints (Victories). Intensity of activity was determined using METS obtained from measures of oxygen uptake determined via the Indirect Calorimetry (IC) method (Cosmed K4 B2) (ml·kg·min-1). The Adult OMNI Walk/Run Perceived Exertion scale was used to assess the subjects rating of perceived exertion for overall body, chest/breathing, and legs (RPE-O, RPE-C, RPE-L). Subjects were familiarized to the scale during an orientation session and prior to the experimental trial. RPE was obtained during the 60-second transition period between each drill. Pearson correlation coefficients compared RPE and MET level for each of the drills in the experimental trial (p<.05).

Results: Individual correlations between the MET level of various basketball drills and RPE showed a strong positive relationship with several drills (from r=0.50 to r=0.85, P<0.05). Progressive Defensive slides, Speed Lay-ups, the Mikan drill, and Victories were all statistically significant.

Conclusion: Results suggest that RPE may be considered a good indicator of perceived training intensity in various basketball drills. This method can be very useful and easy to use for coaches and athletic trainers to monitor and self-regulate exercise intensity, and to design season training loads.