Heart Rate monitor vs. RPE/Talk Test for testing exertion?

Depends on the client and their fitness level. I use both.

I love the talk test when a machine or monitor isn't around. like hiking if you hit a big hill, or in the middle of a circuit.

I usually ask What did you have for breakfast or how did work go today and then count the words they say. That way they don't know your doing it.

So context determines which one is best.

Hi Kim. The talk test is a good tool to use for low-intensity exercise. However, if you plan to progress the client to a higher intensity aerobic exercise, you will probably need to resort to something else, such as the monitor. In my experience one problem with using the "talk test" is that there is such a wide range of exercise intensity in which a client can exercise and talk. So, in reality, this method will not really serve to accurately challenge the client aerobically if that is your goal. That being said, the talk test is fine if your intention is to keep your client's work intensity at a low level.

Absent an agent that will effect the client's true heart rate (such as medication), I think that a heart rate monitor is a great tool.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

Kim, heart rate monitors, RPE and talk test can all be used successfully as tools to monitor exercise intensity, to teach about how the body feels at a certain intensity and/or to motivate. Choose the best tool for the situation.
To respond to your remark about monitoring not having a place, I must share these situations.
If you were testing for cardiovascular fitness, the best tool is a heart rate monitor, an ACSM recommendation. Naturally, if medications are involved, or other alterations to the client's normal heart response exists, such as caffeine, smoking, previous activity etc. then the test is skewed. In most situation monitors work as a good reference and you can screen for meds and educate prior to testing.
Second, there are some clients who's doctor recommends not exercising above a certain heart rate. In this case a monitor is also of value.
ACSM has a new more accurate formula for heart rate maximum =206.9-(0.67 X age). If you use an average of three different resting heart rates taken on different days, upon rising before coffee, and formulate a THR from there, this can be pretty accurate. Detail oriented clients find monitors motivating as it renders visable feedback.

Hi Danielle,

Thank you for your detailed answer. I agree with you and if you look above you will see that I felt heart rate training is motivating for the serious athlete or determined client who wants to gage their progress.

If you follow the research of Dr. Wayne Westcott, he feels that for seniors and special populations (which we will be serving more each year in our industry) that the RPE and talk test are more effective.

I think one has to differentiate who the client is. Are we referring to an apparently healthy individual or someone with a diagnosed cardiovascular disease whose heart rate MUST be monitored.

In a clinical setting both are utilized. If it is straight up heart rate training then there is no clinical thresholds (as far as intensity is concerned) that one has to adhere. Heart rate and RPE has to be monitored if, let's say, the doctors order say the the client's heart rate has to remain 10-15 beats below the client's ischemic threshold.

I don't see the point of RPE if a well-conditioned client is wearing a heart rate monitor and the personal trainer has performed the right assessments on their client, knows their client's heart rate at the low and high ends and has designed a program specifically around those parameters.

In a nutshell both have a place depends upon the client and their health status.

Troy, I couldn't agree with you more!

On the client's end, it teaches them to get in tune with their body. When to push and when to back off.