Introduction: Direct assessment of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in blind athletes presents challenges due to visual limitations and associated risks. Therefore, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) has been suggested as a safer, indirect method. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between RPE and different percentages of 1RM in the bench press exercise among blind athletes.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 43 elite blind athletes (mean age 27.2 ± 5.5 years; BMI 25.5 ± 2.4 kg/m²) from four sports (goalball, football, athletics, and swimming) in B1, B2, and B3 categories participated. Initially, each athlete's 1RM was assessed using standard methods, and then the RPE was measured using the CR-10 scale at 40% to 90% of 1RM.
Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.89) between RPE and various percentages of 1RM. The mean RPE scores for 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of 1RM were 3.16, 4.13, 5.32, 6.85, 8.04, and 9.05, respectively.
Conclusion: These results suggest that RPE can be used as a safe and reliable tool alongside 1RM for resistance training programming in blind athletes.
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