In a VO2 max test, a score of greater than 17 on the RPE scale indicates what?

In a VO2 max test, a score greater than 17 on the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale corresponds to maximum exertion because the RPE scale typically ranges from 6 to 20, with higher values indicating increased levels of perceived effort. A score of 17 signifies very hard exercise, while scores of 18 to 20 indicate that the individual is nearing their maximum effort or is at maximum exertion. Thus, a score exceeding 17 suggests that the individual is operating at their upper limits, reflecting an extreme workload that aligns with approaching or reaching maximum exertion levels. This connection between high RPE scores and maximum exertion is crucial for understanding the subjective measure of effort during physically demanding tasks, such as a VO2 max test.