What is the highest rating on the Borg scale?

The Borg scale, also known as the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, is a tool used to measure an individual's perception of effort during physical activity. The highest rating on the Borg scale is 20, which corresponds to the perception of "maximal exertion." This rating indicates a level of intensity where the individual feels they are working at their absolute limit and cannot continue for much longer.

This scale is widely utilized by athletes, coaches, and exercise professionals to help gauge the intensity of workouts and guide training regimens based on subjective effort rather than solely on objective measurements such as heart rate or distance. The scale ranges from 6 to 20, with the lower numbers representing very light exertion and the higher numbers reflecting increasingly strenuous levels of effort, culminating in the maximum exertion represented by 20.

Understanding the Borg scale is crucial in various situations, including rehabilitation and conditioning programs, as it allows clients to self-assess their exertion and adjust their efforts accordingly.