Effects of Rating of Perceived Exertion-based Deadlift Training on Muscle Performance: A Practical Approach to Program Design.

Authors

Alexander D Young, Ashwyn Asthana, Jacob J Stephan, SangYup Lee, Nicholas J Newton, Aubrey Newland, Ryan Perkins

Published in

Journal of strength and conditioning research. Oct 07, 2026. Epub Oct 07, 2026.

Abstract

Young, AD, Asthana, A, Stephan, JJ, Lee, SY, Newton, NJ, Newland, A, and Perkins, R. Effects of rating of perceived exertion-based deadlift training on muscle performance: A practical approach to program design. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this study was to compare rate of perceived exertion (RPE)-based and fixed %-based deadlift training on muscle strength, fatigue, and body composition. We hypothesized that RPE-based training would yield superior adaptations. Subjects were randomly assigned to RPE- or %-based training (RPE: n = 12, 23.6 ± 1.6, %: n = 12, 25.2 ± 2.1 years, d = 0.327, p > 0.05). Training programs used identical set and repetition schemes but differed in load prescription. Maximum deadlift (DL 1RM) primary outcome and hand grip strength and body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry) secondary outcomes were assessed before and after training. Fatigue estimates were collected throughout the study using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Nine subjects completed the intervention in each group. Data were analyzed using 2-way mixed-model ANOVAs and independent t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and effect sizes reported. Average DL training volume was similar between groups (RPE: 1,212 ± 159 kg/session, %: 1,338 ± 123 kg/session, d = 0.297, p > 0.05), whereas the % group completed more total training volume (RPE: 2,059 ± 325 kg/session, %: 4,496 ± 582 kg/session, d = 1.715, p < 0.05). Average relative training load was similar between groups (RPE: 82 ± 2% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), %: 80 ± 2% 1RM, d = 0.176, p > 0.05). Deadlift 1RM increased in both groups (RPE: +12.3 ± 2.8 kg, %: +10.8 ± 2.0 kg; η2 = 0.012, p < 0.05). Right hand grip strength increased in the RPE group only (+3.6 ± 1.5 kg, η2 = 0.026, p < 0.05). Average pretraining session fatigue scores were lower only in the RPE group (RPE: 27.8 ± 1.4, mm: 32.7 ± 1.6 mm, p < 0.05). Body composition remained unchanged in both groups. Taken together, findings indicate RPE-based training elicits comparable strength adaptations to %-based loading while being associated with lower perceived fatigue.

PMID:
42842475
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 08 Oct 2026.

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