Perceived Exertion, Neuromuscular Activation, and Training Volume in Older Adults: Validating RPE-1 in Moderate-Velocity Elastic Band Resistance Training.

Only 12 participants were studied, and the authors say the findings are preliminary and need confirmation in larger trials. All participants were healthy, physically active older adults with prior experience using elastic bands and RPE scales, so the results may not apply to frail, clinical, or new users. Only the standing military press was tested, in a controlled laboratory setting, so other exercises, body regions, and real-world settings may not behave the same way. The protocol required sets to volitional failure, which may not be safe or practical for many older adults. Surface EMG can vary with electrode placement and skin impedance.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by public grants from the Generalitat Valenciana, including a predoctoral grant supported by the European Social Fund.

Do not read this as evidence that elastic band training improves long-term strength or function. It validated first-rep perceived exertion for acute load monitoring in 12 experienced older adults, and the paper states the activation findings refer to acute effort, not long-term adaptation.