Validation of the Borg CR10 Scale for the evaluation of shoulder perceived fatigue during work-related tasks

Work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) are highly prevalent and costly. Development of fatigue is thought to be one of the causes of WRUEDs. Perceived fatigue can be assessed with the Borg CR Scale® (Borg CR10). The objective was to validate the Borg CR10 for the evaluation of shoulder perceived fatigue during lifting tasks. Seventy adults in working age performed three rhythmic lifting tasks with two loads (15% and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction). Using generalized repeated-measures ANOVA (Generalized Estimating Equations), statistically significant Task and Load effects (p < 0.001), as well as Task × Load interaction effects (p < 0.0001) were observed on Borg CR10, without any influence of sex. The Borg CR10 is a valid tool to assess shoulder perceived fatigue as it can discriminate between tasks of different difficulty levels in term of complexity, height, and resistance, regardless of sex.