PROVE: February 2013 REC Number: 12/SC/0411 ISRCTN Number: 49117867
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Guidelines for Use of RPE Scale in 6 minute walk test
Recording the patients Rating of Perceived Exertion
The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is the objective measure used in the 6 Minute Walking
Test(6MWT). The distance achieved, the 6 Minute Walking Distance (6MWD) has been
validated as a general indicator of overall physical performance and mobility for older people
(Duncan et al 1993, Harad et al 1999). The RPE is essentially a self-assessment scale to rate
breathlessness and fatigue during exercise. Hence it is important that the participant
understands how to respond.
- Use the RPE Scale laminate provided to show the participant prior to commencing the
6 minute walk.
- Cover each point in the same order
- Use the explanations given below.
- Ask the participant to rate their RPE before the 6 minute walk and their maximum RPE
during the 6 minute walk immediately after the walk.
(Noble and Robertson 1996; Dawes 2001)
1. Firstly explain what the RPE is to the participant
‘The RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) is a scale of how breathless and fatigued you feel. I
am going to ask you about the feelings of effort/breathlessness and tiredness in your legs that
you experience before and whilst walking the 6 minutes. I will not ask you the RPE for during
the walk until the end of 6 minutes. The 6 minute walk test provides useful information as to
how mobile people are’.
2. Anchor Perceptions
Use laminate and point as you explain each level.
‘To give you an idea of how to use the scale, I am going to ask you to think first about feelings
linked to the easiest exercise you could do, then the most difficult. I would expect 0 to be the
feeling you have when you are doing nothing and are resting. One represents exercise that is
very light, you would be aware of your breathing or legs nothing more, this might be the sort of
feeling you have when you walk a short distance. Level 3 is moderate intensity, but you could
continue easily and it is not hard. Level 5 is hard, your legs are becoming more tired and you
may be somewhat out of breath, but you do not have to stop. Level 7 is very hard, you are very
