Validation of session ratings of perceived exertion for quantifying training load in karate kata sessions

This study was intended to investigate the associations between session Ratings of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) and Edwards’ training load (TL) and Banister training impulse (TRIMP) in order to determine the validity of the sRPE method for TL assessment in karate kata discipline. Eight elite karate kata athletes, members of the national karate team, took part in this study. A multistage 20 m shuttle run test was performed to determine maximal heart rate (HRmax). Subsequently, the subjects performed 3 different kata training sessions separated by minimally 48 hours. To calculate Edwards TL, Banister TRIMP and sRPE, heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored during the sessions and RPE of the entire session was collected 30 minutes after each training session. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used for determining associations between TL variables. Edwards TL (p = 0.064) and Banister TRIMP (p = 0.102) were not, but sRPE was significantly different between each training session (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between sRPE and Edwards TL (r = 0.53, p = 0.18) or Banister TRIMP (r = 0.13, p = 0.77) when data from all training sessions were pooled. A significant correlation was obtained between sRPE and Edwards TL (r = 0.71, p = 0.04) in situational training session, whereas in technical training session sRPE was significantly correlated with Banister TRIMP (r = 0.82, p = 0.01). HR-based methods for TL assessment are not able to discriminate between kata training sessions and, therefore, sRPE may be more useful for coaches to monitor TL in karate kata athletes.