Investigation into the effect of exercise on heart rate

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Investigation into the effect of exercise on heart rate

Introduction

In order to test the effect of a quantifiable amount of exercise on the heart rate, the exercise undertaken will be strictly controlled. A single step of fixed height will be used along with a metronome to regulate the speed of stepping. This ensures continuity of the exercise and that the effect of the amount of exercise on the heart beat can be seen and will not be unduly affected by the speed or rigour of the stepping.

As three volunteers are to be tested, the results will show variations specific to each volunteer which could be due to fitness, gender, step tequnique etc.

A separate person (hereafter referred to as the 'pulse checker') will check and record heart rate as it can be very difficult to measure ones own heart rate accurately following vigorous exercise.

The volunteers should be asked not to drink, eat or smoke for 1 hour prior to the investigation. Any of these could affect heart rate, especially drinks containing caffeine (as this can increase heart rate). Volunteers should also be checked for any medications taken recently as some (eg