This study explored the relationship between differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and internal training load in a sample of collegiate ice hockey players. Twenty-six female (20 ± 1.66 yr, 169.1 ± 6.6 cm) varsity ice hockey players participated over seven weeks in the preseason and regular season. RPE, dRPE (i.e., breathlessness, lower limb exertion, and technical/cognitive demand), and practice duration were recorded each day following completion of on-ice training. RPE-breathlessness, RPE-lower limb exertion, and RPE-technical/cognitive explained approximately 75% of the variance seen in RPE. Differential RPE explained the most variance in RPE for goaltenders (R2 = 0.86) followed by defenders (R2 = 0.71) and forwards (R2 = 0.70). RPE-breathlessness showed the strongest relationship with RPE, regardless of playing position. On average, internal training load was greatest on days furthest from match days, and tapered as training day approached match days. Overall, dRPE explained a statistically significant amount of the variance captured by RPE, indicating that it captures relevant information beyond only RPE. Using RPE and dRPE to measure internal training load is a low-cost and feasible method that can be used to assist athlete load monitoring in a female collegiate varsity ice hockey setting.
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