A meta-analysis of the relationship between the RPE and well-being in adolescent athletes: the critical moderating role of well-being dimensions.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The relationship between the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and well-being in adolescent athletes is controversial, complicating effective athlete monitoring. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify this relationship and investigate the critical moderating role of well-being dimensions.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the Web of Science and PubMed, including 24 studies (57 effect sizes).

Results

An initial analysis of the overall relationship revealed extremely high heterogeneity (I²= 85.6%), indicating that pooling all well-being dimensions is inappropriate. Subgroup analysis was decisive, identifying the nature of the well-being indicator as the key moderator. The RPE was strongly positively correlated with

SUBMITTER: Gu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659709 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature