Date of Award

2026

Type

Dissertation

Major

Doctor of Education

Degree Type

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership (Curriculum Track Specialization)

Department

Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science

First Advisor

Dr. Erica Taylor

Second Advisor

Dr. Lauren Neal

Third Advisor

Dr. Brian Tyo

Abstract

This mixed-methods study evaluated the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) among high school weight-training students during circuit training sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RPE could serve as a practical method for gauging moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among high school weight-training students while allowing students to assess and enhance their health-related components of fitness. Participants were high school students enrolled in weight-training classes who completed upper- and lower-body circuit training sessions over a 4-week period, or a total of 16 school days. RPE was self-reported using Borg’s CR10 scale, and average heart rate was measured using heart rate monitors worn during training sessions. Qualitative data were collected through narrative inquiry responses to describe the participants' perception of exercise and exercise intensity during the training sessions. Results indicated a positive relationship between RPE and average HR during circuit training sessions, suggesting that RPE can be used to predict average HR during sessions. Statistical analysis revealed that each unit increase in RPE was associated with an increase in average H, supporting the validity of RPE as a predictor of exercise intensity in a weight-training classroom setting. No significant differences were found between upper- and lower-body training sessions or between training age and technology usage. Findings suggest that RPE can serve as a practical and cost-effective method for weight- training teachers to quantify MVPA, formatively assess student work intensity, and provide a safe way to measure intensity while minimizing risky tactics such as maximum lifting. Additionally, it provides students with a simple tool for monitoring exercise intensity and improving health-related components of fitness.

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