Exertion is the physical effort and intensity used by the body, which varies based on fitness levels. The Borg scale measures perceived exertion, with a moderate score of 12-14 being optimal for daily exercise. Monitoring exertion can help improve fitness and prevent overexertion, especially for those with heart problems.
Exertion refers to the effort and intensity of how the body physically works and uses energy. It involves the process of the body’s use of oxygen, the production of body heat, and the rhythm of the heart rate during physical movements. The feeling of exertion may vary for people performing the same actions due to different levels of cardiovascular fitness and strength.
One of the main components of measuring how the body uses energy is known as the rating of perceived exertion, but it is more commonly known as the Borg scale. The Borg scale is generally made up of a numerical rating scale that ranges from 6 to 20. The lower end of the Borg scale represents absolutely no energy use, while the upper end is the maximum amount of energy a person can use without being able to physically continue. The optimal score for daily exercise for the average non-athlete usually falls in the moderate score of 12, 13, or 14 on the Borg scale.
The Borg scale is a subjective rating that depends on the person doing the activity; For example, the amount of physical activity it would take for a professional athlete to rate their effort of 20 on the Borg scale can be drastically more than for a sedentary person. One of the most common uses of effort monitoring is to help a person develop their stamina and fitness levels. If a person regularly performs an exercise that scores low on the Borg scale, he is less likely to greatly improve her physical capabilities; however, by monitoring the effort and intensity of a workout and continually pushing for a particular rating, such as a 14 or 15, a person may be able to build more stamina and ensure they keep their heart rate up.
Closely monitoring physical exertion can also be important for those who have problems with their hearts. Using the Borg scale can help prevent those who have weakened hearts from overexerting themselves and putting too much pressure on their hearts. This can help heart patients stay active safely if their doctors recommend stopping their physical activity once they reach a certain score on the Borg scale. Some patients’ self-assessment can match their actual heart rate intensity better than others, so a doctor may assess a patient’s heart rate while performing an activity to check if the person is accurately using the Borg scale. Otherwise, a person is more likely to be overworked and not know when to slow down during physical activity.
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