Physiology Lessons

for use with the

Biopac Student Lab

Lesson 5

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY I
Components of the ECG

PC running Windows
98SE, Me, 2000 Pro, XP Pro/Home/Media

Manual Revision PL3.7.0

11.16.07

Richard Pflanzer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Medicine
Purdue University School of Science

J.C. Uyehara, Ph.D.

Biologist
BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

William McMullen
Vice President
BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

42 Aero Camino, Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-0066, Fax (805) 685-0067
Email: info@biopac.com
Web Site: http://www.biopac.com
BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

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I.

Biopac Student Lab

INTRODUCTION

The main function of the heart is to pump blood through two circuits:
1. Pulmonary circuit: through the lungs to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide; and
2. Systemic circuit: to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove carbon dioxide.
Because the heart moves blood through two separate circuits, it is sometimes described as a dual pump.
In order to beat, the heart needs three types of cells:
1. Rhythm generators, which produce an electrical signal (SA node or normal pacemaker);
2. Conductors to spread the pacemaker signal; and
3. Contractile cells (myocardium) to mechanically pump blood.

The Electrical and Mechanical Sequence of a Heartbeat

The heart has specialized pacemaker cells that start the electrical sequence of depolarization and repolarization. This
property of cardiac tissue is called inherent rhythmicity or automaticity. The electrical signal is generated by the
sinoatrial node (SA node) and spreads to the ventricular muscle via particular conducting pathways: internodal
pathways and atrial fibers, the atrioventricular node (AV node), the bundle of His, the right and left bundle
branches, and Purkinje fibers (Fig 5.1).

Fig. 5.1 The Heart

When the electrical signal of a depolarization reaches the contractile cells, they contract. When the repolarization signal
reaches the myocardial cells, they relax. Thus, the electrical signals cause the mechanical pumping action of the heart.
The SA node is the normal pacemaker of the heart, initiating each electrical and mechanical cycle. When the SA node
depolarizes, the electrical stimulus spreads through atrial muscle causing the muscle to contract. Thus, the SA node
depolarization is followed by atrial contraction.
The SA node impulse also spreads to the atrioventricular node (AV node) via the internodal fibers. (The wave of
depolarization does not spread to the ventricles right away because there is nonconducting tissue separating the atria and
ventricles.) The electrical signal is delayed in the AV node for approximately 0.20 seconds when the atria contract, and
then the signal is relayed to the ventricles via the bundle of His, right and left bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.
The Purkinje fibers relay the electrical impulse directly to ventricular muscle, stimulating the ventricles to contract
(ventricular systole). Repolarization of the SA node is also spread throughout the atria, and then the ventricles, starting the
relaxation phase (ventricular diastole).
Although the heart generates its own beat, the heart rate (beats per minute or BPM) and strength of contraction of the
heart are modified by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
The sympathetic system acts as an accelerator, speeding up and increasing the contractile force of the heart.
Whenever oxygen demands increase, e.g., during exercise or if blood pressure drops, the sympathetic input

Lesson 5: ECG I

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increases, causing heart rate and strength of contraction to increase. Sympathetic influence increases during
inhalation.
The parasympathetic input acts like a brake, slowing down the heart. When you relax, the parasympathetic input
becomes dominant and the heart rate slows. Parasympathetic influence increases during exhalation.
The Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Just as the electrical activity of the pacemaker is communicated to the cardiac muscle, echoes of the depolarization and
repolarization of the heart are sent through the rest of the body. By placing a pair of very sensitive receivers (electrodes)
on other parts of the body, the echoes of the hearts electrical activity can be detected. The record of the electrical signal is
called an electrocardiogram (ECG). You can infer the hearts mechanical activity from the ECG.
Components of the ECG
The electrical events of the heart are usually recorded on the ECG as a pattern of a baseline broken by a P wave, a QRS
complex, and a T wave (Fig. 5.2).

Fig. 5.2 Components of the ECG

In addition to the wave components of the ECG, there are intervals and segments.
The baseline (isoelectric line) is a straight line on the ECG. It is a point of departure of the electrical activity of
depolarizations and repolarizations of the cardiac cycles.
The P wave results from atrial depolarization.
QRS complex is a result of ventricular depolarization and initiates ventricular contraction.
The T wave results from ventricular repolarization.

An interval is part of the ECG containing at least one wave and a straight line. For example, the PR interval
includes the P wave and the connecting line before the QRS complex.

A segment is the period of time from the end of one wave to the beginning of the next wave. For example, the
PR segment represents the time of AV nodal delay and transmission to the ventricles.

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Biopac Student Lab

Table 5.1 Components of the ECG

COMPONENTS OF THE ECG
Segment

Measurement points

Represents

P wave

begin and end on the (baseline);

normally upright in standard limb leads

depolarization of atrial muscle as negativity

spreads from the SA node toward the
ventricles

P-R Interval

from start of P wave to start of QRS

complex

time it takes for the impulse sent from the SA

node to travel to the ventricles

P-R Segment

from end of P wave to start of QRS

complex

interval between atrial depolarization and

ventricular polarization

QRS complex

begin and end on the isoelectric line

(baseline) from start of Q wave to end of
S wave

spread of excitation through ventricular

myocardiumresults in depolarization of
ventricular muscle. Repolarization is also part
of this segment, but the electrical signal for
atrial repolarization is masked by the larger
QRS complex (see Fig 5.2)

S-T Segment

interval between end of S wave and

start of T wave

period during which ventricles are more or

less uniformly excited

T wave

begin and end on the isoelectric line

(baseline)

beginning of ventricular relaxation (restoration

of ventricular myocardium to resting or
excitable state)

Q-T Interval

start of QRS complex to end of T wave

electrical systole (when ventricular beat is

generated)

Electrical activity varies through the ECG cycle as shown below (Fig. 5.3):

Fig. 5.3 Electrical Activity (+ or -) during the ECG

Because the ECG reflects the electrical activity, it is a useful picture of heart activity. If there are interruptions of the
electrical signal generation or transmission, the ECG changes. These changes can be useful in diagnosing changes within
the heart. During exercise, however, the position of the heart itself changes, so you cannot standardize or quantify the
voltage changes.
Leads
The particular arrangement of two electrodes (one positive, one negative) with respect to a third electrode (the ground) is
called a lead. The electrode positions for the different leads have been standardized. For this lesson, you will record from
Lead II, which has a positive electrode on the left ankle, a negative electrode on the right wrist, and the ground electrode
on the right ankle. Typical Lead II values are shown in Table 5.2.

Lesson 5: ECG I

Page 5

Table 5.2

Normal Lead II ECG Values (Wrist & Ankle Electrodes)*

PHASE

P wave
P-R interval
P-R segment
QRS complex (R)

DURATION
(second)

AMPLITUDE
(millivolts)

0.06 0.11

< 0.25

0.12-0.20
0.08
< 0.12

S-T segment

0.12

Q-T interval

0.36-0.44

T wave

0.16

0.8 - 1.2

< 0.5

* Tabled values represent results from a typical Lead II setup (wrist and
ankle electrode placement); values for torso placement would be different.
Proper electrode attachment to the subject will influence the quality of data collected. In addition, many factorsnormal
and abnormaldetermine R wave amplitude.

Normal factors include body size (BSA) and distribution of body fat, heart size (ventricular mass), position of the
heart in the chest relative to lead locations, metabolic rate, and others.

Abnormal factors include hyper- and hypothyroidism, ventricular hypertrophy (observed for example, in chronic
valvular insufficiency), morbid obesity, essential hypertension and many other pathologic states.

Effects of the Resting Respiratory Cycle on Heart Rate

Temporary minor increases and decreases in heart rate associated with the resting respiratory cycle reflect heart rate
adjustments made by systemic arterial and systemic venous pressure receptor (baroreceptor) reflexes in response to the
cycling of intrathoracic pressure (Fig. 5.4).
When inspiratory muscles contract, pressure within the thorax (intrathoracic pressure) decreases, allowing thoracic veins
to slightly expand. This causes a momentary drop in venous pressure, venous return, cardiac output, and systemic arterial
blood pressure. The carotid sinus reflex normally decreases heart rate in response to a rise in carotid arterial blood
pressure. However, the momentary drop in systemic arterial blood pressure during inspiration reduces the frequency of
carotid baroreceptor firing, causing a momentary increase in heart rate.
When inspiratory muscles relax, resting expiration passively occurs. During early resting expiration,
intrathoracic pressure increases causing compression of thoracic veins, momentarily increasing venous
pressure and venous return. In response, systemic venous baroreceptors reflexively increase heart rate.
However, the slight increase in heart rate is temporary because it increases cardiac output and systemic
arterial blood pressure, which increases carotid baroreceptor firing causing heart rate to decrease.
The average resting heart rate for adults is approximately 70 beats/min. Slower heart rates are
typically found in individuals who regularly exercise. Athletes are able to pump enough blood to meet
the demands of the body with resting heart rates as low as 50 beats/min. Athletes tend to develop
larger hearts, especially the muscle in the left ventriclea condition known as left ventricular
hypertrophy. Because athletes (usually) have larger and more efficient hearts, their ECGs may
exhibit differences other than average resting heart rate. For instance, low heart rate and hypertrophy
exhibited in sedentary individuals can be an indication of failing hearts but these changes are
normal for well-trained athletes.

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Biopac Student Lab

Fig. 5.4 Effects of The Resting Respiratory Cycle on Heart Rate

In this lesson, you will record the ECG under four conditions.
Because ECGs are widely used, basic elements have been standardized to simplify
reading ECGs.
ECGs have standardized grids of lighter, smaller squares and, superimposed on the
first grid, a second grid of darker and larger squares (fig. 5.5). The smaller grid
always has time units of 0.04 seconds on the x-axis and the darker vertical lines are
spaced 0.2 seconds apart. The horizontal lines represent amplitude in mV. The lighter
horizontal lines are 0.1 mV apart and the darker grid lines represent 0.5 mV.
Figure 5.5 standard ECG Grid

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II. EXPERIMENTAL OBJECTIVES

1) To become familiar with the electrocardiograph as a primary tool for evaluating electrical events within the heart.
2) To correlate electrical events as displayed on the ECG with the mechanical events that occur during the cardiac
cycle.
3) To observe rate and rhythm changes in the ECG associated with body position and breathing.

III. MATERIALS

BIOPAC electrode lead set (SS2L)

BIOPAC disposable vinyl electrodes (EL503), 3 electrodes per subject

Cot or lab table and pillow

BIOPAC electrode gel (GEL1) and abrasive pad (ELPAD) or Skin cleanser or alcohol prep

Computer system

Biopac Student Lab 3.7 for PC running Windows

BIOPAC data acquisition unit (MP35/30)

BIOPAC wall transformer (AC100A)

BIOPAC serial cable (CBLSERA) or USB cable (USB1W) if using a USB port

IV. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

A.

For further explanation, use the online support options under the Help Menu.

SET UP
FAST TRACK Set Up

1. Turn the computer ON.

2. Make sure the BIOPAC MP35/30 unit

is turned OFF.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF SET UP STEPS

The desktop should appear on the monitor. If it does not appear, ask the
laboratory instructor for assistance.

3. Plug the equipment in as follows:

Plugs into Channel 2

Electrode lead (SS2L) CH 2

SS2L Electrode Lead Set

Fig. 5.6
4. Turn the BIOPAC MP35/30 unit ON.
Set Up continues

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Biopac Student Lab

5. Place three electrodes on the Subject as

shown in Fig. 5.7.
right forearm
WHITE lead

right leg
BLACK lead
(ground)

left leg
RED lead

Fig. 5.7
Place one electrode on the medial surface of each leg, just above the
ankle. Place the third electrode on the right anterior forearm at the wrist
(same side of arm as the palm of hand).

Note: For optimal electrode adhesion, the electrodes should be placed
on the skin at least 5 minutes before the start of the Calibration
procedure.
6. Attach the electrode lead set SS2L to
the electrodes following Fig. 5.7.

Each of the pinch connectors on the ends of the electrode lead cables
needs to be attached to a specific electrode. The lead cables are each a
different color, and you should follow Fig. 5.7 to ensure that you connect
each cable to the proper electrode.
The pinch connectors work like a small clothespin, but will only latch
onto the nipple of the electrode from one side of the connector.
When the electrode leads are connected properly, the LEAD II electrode
configuration will be established.

7. Have the Subject lie down and relax.

Position the electrode cables such that they are not pulling on the
electrodes. Connect the electrode cable clip (where the cable meets the
three individual colored wires) to a convenient location (can be on the
Subjects clothes). This will relieve cable strain.
The Subject should not be in contact with nearby metal objects (faucets,
pipes, etc.), and should remove any wrist or ankle bracelets.

8. Start the BIOPAC Student Lab

program.

9. Choose Lesson L05-ECG-1.

Type in a unique identifier.

10. Type in your filename.

11. Click OK.

This ends the default Set Up procedure.

12. Optional: Set Heart Rate display:

a) Choose File > Preferences.
b) Select Heart Rate Data.
c) Select Calculate and display
Heart Rate data and click OK.

The default lesson will display ECG data only, but the lesson can be set
up to calculate and display Heart Rate data as well. To calculate and
display Heart Rate data, the lesson Preference must be established prior to
Calibration.

END OF SET UP

When the Heart Rate Preference is established, Heart Rate data will be
calculated and displayed on CH 40 during the Recording and Analysis
modes (Heart Rate data is not displayed for Calibration).

Lesson 5: ECG I

B.

Page 9

CALIBRATION

The calibration procedure establishes the hardwares internal parameters (such as gain, offset, and scaling) and is critical
for optimum performance. Pay close attention to the following calibration steps.
FAST TRACK Calibration
1. Double check the electrodes, and make
sure the Subject is relaxed.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF CALIBRATION STEPS

Make sure the electrodes adhere securely to the skin. If they are being
pulled up, you will not get a good ECG signal.
The Subject must be relaxed and as still as possible during the calibration
procedure. The electrocardiograph is very sensitive to small changes in
voltage caused by contraction of skeletal muscles, and the Subjects arms
and legs need to be relaxed so that the muscle (EMG) signal does not
corrupt the ECG signal.

2. Click Calibrate.

The Calibrate button is in the upper left corner of the Setup window.
This will start the calibration recording.
The Subject needs to remain relaxed throughout calibration.

3. Wait for the calibration procedure to

stop.

The calibration procedure will stop automatically after eight seconds.

4. Check the calibration data:

At the end of the 8-sec calibration recording, there should be a

recognizable ECG waveform with no large baseline drifts.

If correct, proceed to Data

Recording
If incorrect, Redo Calibration.

Fig. 5.8
If your data resembles Fig. 5.8 (with allowance for any difference in
vertical scaling), proceed to the Data Recording section.
If the data shows any large baseline drifts, you should check your
electrodes for good contact and redo the calibration by clicking Redo
Calibration and repeating the entire calibration sequence.
END OF CALIBRATION

Page 10

C.

Biopac Student Lab

RECORDING LESSON DATA

FAST TRACK Recording

1. Prepare for the recording and have the

Subject lie down and relax.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF RECORDING STEPS

You will record the Subject in four conditions: Lying down, After
sitting, Breathing deeply, and After exercise. The Subject will perform
tasks in the intervals between recordings.
In order to work efficiently, read this entire section so you will know
what to do for each recording segment.
The Subject should remain in a supine position and continue to relax
while you review the lesson.
Check the last line of the journal and note the total amount of time
available for the recording. Stop each recording segment as soon as
possible so you dont use an excessive amount of time (time is memory).

Hints for obtaining optimal data:
a) The Subject should not talk or laugh during any of the recording
segments.
b) The Subject should be in a relaxed state for each recording segment
and in the position noted for each segment.
c) When asked to sit up, the Subject should do so in a chair, with arms
relaxed on the armrest (if available).
d) For Steps 6 and 7: Click Resume as soon as possible after the
Subject sits up in order to capture the heart rate variation, but not
while the Subject is in the process of sitting up or there will be
excessive motion artifact.
e) The Subject should be as still as possible during the recording
segment. The electrocardiograph is very sensitive to small changes
in voltage caused by contraction of skeletal muscles, and the
Subjects arms and legs need to be relaxed so that the muscle
(EMG) signal does not corrupt the ECG signal.
Segment 1 Lying down
2. Click Record.

When you click Record, the recording will begin and an append marker
labeled Lying down will automatically be inserted.

3. Record for 20 seconds.

Subject is lying down (seconds 0-20).

4. Click Suspend.

The recording should halt, giving you time to review the data and
prepare for the next recording segment.

5. Review the data on the screen.

If all went well, your data should look similar to Fig. 5.9 and you can
proceed to Step 6.

If correct, go to Step 6.

Recording continues

Fig. 5.9 Lying down

Lesson 5: ECG I

If incorrect, click Redo.

Page 11

The data would be incorrect if:

a) The Suspend button was pressed prematurely.
b) An electrode peeled up causing a large baseline drift, spike, or loss
of signal.
c) The Subject has too much muscle (EMG) artifact.
In this case, you should redo the recording by clicking Redo and repeating
Steps 2-5. Note that once you press Redo, the data you have just recorded
will be erased.

Segment 2 After sitting up

6. Have the Subject quickly get up and sit Subject should sit with arms relaxed, preferably in a chair with armrests.
in a chair, with arms relaxed.
In order to capture the heart rate variation, it is important that you resume
recording as quickly as possible after the Subject sits. However, it is also
important that you do not click Resume while the Subject is in the process
of sitting or you will capture motion artifact.
7. Click Resume as soon as possible
once the Subject sits and relaxes.

When you click Resume, the recording will continue and an append marker
labeled After sitting up will be automatically inserted.

8. Record for 20 seconds and have

Subject take in 5 deep breaths during
recording.

Subject is seated (seconds 21-40).

During this time, the Recorder should insert an event marker at the
beginning of an inhale and insert another event marker at the corresponding
Recorder should insert event markers at exhale. The Recorder should label these markers Inhale and Exhale.
a corresponding inhale and exhale.
These event markers will help you locate data to complete Table F in the
Data Report.
Inhale

Exhale.
9. Click Suspend.

The recording should halt, giving you time to review the data and prepare
for the next recording segment.

10. Review the data on the screen.

If all went well, your data should look similar to Fig. 5.10 and you can
proceed to Step 11.

If correct, and more segments are

required, go to Step 11.

Fig. 5.10 After Sitting Up

If incorrect, click Redo.

The data would be incorrect for the reasons in Step 5.

If incorrect, you should redo the recording by clicking Redo and repeating
Steps 6-10. Note that once you press Redo, the data you have just recorded
will be erased.

Recording continues

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Biopac Student Lab

Segment 3 Seated, Deep Breathing

11. Click Resume.
12. Record for 20 seconds and have
Subject take in 5 deep breaths during
recording.

When you click Resume, the recording will continue and an append marker
labeled Deep breathing will be automatically inserted.
Subject is seated (seconds 41-60).
After the recording begins, the Subject should start a series of slow,
prolonged breaths, continuing for five cycles.

Recorder should insert event markers at

Note: It is important to breathe with long, slow, deep breaths in order to
a corresponding inhale and exhale.
minimize the EMG artifact.

Inhale
Exhale

During this time, the Recorder should insert an event marker at the
beginning of each inhale and insert another event marker at the
corresponding exhale. The Recorder should label these markers Inhale
and Exhale.
These event markers will help you locate data to complete Table F in the
Data Report.

13. Click Suspend.

The recording should halt, giving you time to prepare for the next recording
segment.

14. Review the data on the screen.

If all went well, your data should look similar to the Fig. 5.11 and you can
proceed to Step 15.

If correct, go to Step 15.

Fig. 5.11 Deep Breathing

If incorrect, click Redo.

Segment 4 After exercise

15. Have the Subject perform an exercise
to elevate his/her heart rate.

The data would be incorrect for the reasons in Step 5.

Note: The Deep Breathing recording may have some baseline drift (as
shown previously in Fig. 5.11). Baseline drift is fairly normal and unless it
is excessive, it does not necessitate redoing the recording.
If incorrect, you should redo the recording by clicking Redo and repeating
Steps 11-14. Note that once you press Redo, the data you have just
recorded will be erased.
Subject should perform an exercise to elevate his/her heart rate fairly
rapidly, such as push-ups or jumping-jacks.
Note: You may remove the electrode cable pinch connectors so that the
Subject can move about freely, but do not remove the electrodes.
If you do remove the cable pinch connectors, you must reattach them
following the precise color placement in
Fig. 5.4 prior to clicking Resume.
In order to capture the heart rate variation, it is important that you resume
recording as quickly as possible after the Subject has performed the
exercise. However, it is also important that you do not click Resume while
the Subject is exercising or you will capture motion artifact.

Recording continues

Lesson 5: ECG I

Page 13

16. Click Resume.

When you click Resume, the recording will continue and an append
marker labeled After exercise will be automatically inserted.

17. Record for 60 seconds.

Subject is seated in a relaxed state, recovering from exercise (seconds 61120).

18. Click Suspend.

The recording should halt.

19. Review the data on the screen.

If all went well, your data should look similar to the Fig. 5.12 and you can
proceed to Step 20.

If correct, go to Step 20.

Fig. 5.12 After Exercise

If incorrect; click Redo.

The data would be incorrect for the reasons in Step 5.

Note:

The After exercise recording may have some baseline drift (as
shown in Fig. 5.12 above). Baseline drift is fairly normal and,
unless excessive, does not necessitate redoing the recording.

If incorrect, you should redo the recording by clicking Redo and repeating
Steps 15-19. Note that once you press Redo, the data you have just
recorded will be erased.
20. Click Done.

A pop-up window with options will appear. Make your choice, and continue
as directed.
If choosing the Record from another Subject option:
a) Attach electrodes per Set Up Steps 5-7 and continue the entire
lesson from Set Up Step 9.
b) Each person will need to use a unique file name.

21. Remove the electrodes.

END OF RECORDING

Remove the electrode cable pinch connectors, and peel off the electrodes.
Throw out the electrodes (BIOPAC electrodes are not reusable). Wash the
electrode gel residue from the skin, using soap and water. The electrodes
may leave a slight ring on the skin for a few hours. This is normal, and does
not indicate that anything is wrong.

Page 14

V.

Biopac Student Lab

DATA ANALYSIS

In this section, you will examine ECG components of cardiac cycles and measure amplitudes (mV) and durations (msecs)
of the ECG components.
Note: Interpreting ECGs is a skill that requires practice to distinguish between normal variation and those arising from
medical conditions. Do not be alarmed if your ECG is different than the examples shown or from the tables and
figures in the Introduction.
FAST TRACK Data Analysis

1. Enter the Review Saved Data mode.

Note Channel Number (CH)
designation:
CH 2

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF DATA ANALYSIS STEPS

Enter the Review Saved Data mode from Lessons menu.

The data window should come up the same as Fig. 5.13.

ECG Lead II

Fig 5.13

2. Setup your display window for optimal

viewing of four successive beats from
Segment 1.

Fig. 5.14 Sample data from Segment 1

The following tools help you adjust the data window:
Autoscale horizontal
Autoscale waveforms
Zoom Tool

Horizontal (Time) Scroll Bar

Vertical (Amplitude) Scroll Bar
Zoom Previous

Turn Grids ON and OFF by choosing Display>Preferences from the

File menu.
Adjust Baseline Button: Allows you to position the waveform up or
down in small increments so that the baseline can be exactly zero. This
is not needed to get accurate amplitude measurements, but may be
desired before making a printout, or when using grids.
Once the Adjust Baseline button is pressed, two more buttons, Up and
Down, will be displayed. Simply click on these to move the waveform
up or down.

Data Analysis continues

Lesson 5: ECG I

Page 15

3. Set up the measurement boxes as

follows:
Channel

Measurement

CH 2

T (Delta Time)

CH 2

BPM (Beats Per Minute)

CH 2

(Delta Amplitude)

CH 2

max (Maximum
Amplitude)

The measurement boxes are above the marker region in the data window.
Each measurement has three sections: channel number, measurement type,
and result. The first two sections are pull-down menus that are activated
when you click on them.

Brief definition of measurements:

T: The Delta Time measurement is the difference in time between the
end and beginning of the selected area.
BPM: The Beats Per Minute measurement first calculates the difference
in time between the end and beginning of the area selected by the IBeam tool (same as T), and divides this value into 60 seconds/minute.
: The Delta Amplitude measurement computes the difference in
amplitude between the last point and the first point of the selected area.
max: Finds the maximum amplitude value within the area selected by
the I-Beam tool (including the endpoints).
Note: The selected area is the area selected by the I-beam tool
(including the endpoints).

4. Using the I-Beam cursor, select the

area between two successive R waves.

Try to go from R wave peak to R wave peak as precisely as possible. Fig.

5.15 shows an example of the selected area.

A

Fig. 5.15

5. Take measurements at two other

intervals in the current waveform
display.

A
6. Zoom in on a single cardiac cycle
from Segment 1.

7. Use the I-Beam cursor and

measurement box values (and refer to
Fig. 5.2 as necessary) to record the
following amplitudes and durations for
3 cycles.

Data Analysis continues

Be sure to stay in the first recorded segment when you select the cardiac
cycle.
Gather data for 3 cycles. You may paste the measurements into the Journal
by using the Edit > Journal > Paste measurement option.

Page 16

Durations
P wave
PR interval
QRS interval

Biopac Student Lab

QT interval
ST segment
T wave

Fig. 5.16 shows a sample setup for measuring P wave amplitude. Note that
the measurement shows the amplitude difference between endpoints in
the selected area.

Amplitudes
P wave
T wave
QRS complex
Time Interval
QT Interval (ventricular systole)
End of T wave to subsequent R
wave (ventricular diastole)

Note: See Fig. 5.2 in the Introduction for details of the components
of the ECG.

A
8. Repeat measurements as required for
the Data Report.

Fig. 5.16

Follow the examples shown above to complete all the measurements

required for your Data Report.

 A, B, C, D
9. Save or print the data file.

10. Exit the program.

You may save the data to a drive, save notes that are in the journal, or print
the data file.

END OF DATA ANALYSIS

END OF LESSON 5
Complete the Lesson 5 Data Report that follows.

Lesson 5: ECG I

Page 17

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY I
ECG I
DATA REPORT
Students Name:
Lab Section:
Date:

I. Data and Calculations

Subject Profile
Name

Height

Age

Weight

Gender: Male / Female

A. Supine, Resting, Regular Breathing (using Segment 1 data)

Complete the following tables with the lesson data indicated, and calculate the Mean and Range as appropriate.
Table 5.3
Measurement

From
Channel

CH 2

BPM

CH 2

Cardiac Cycle
2

Mean

Range

Table 5.4
ECG
Component
Cycle 1

Duration
T [CH 2]
Cycle 2 Cycle 3

Mean

Cycle 1

Amplitude (mV)
[CH 2]
Cycle 2 Cycle 3

Mean

P wave
PR interval
PR segment
QRS complex
QT interval
ST segment
T wave

Table 5.5
Ventricular Readings
QT Interval
(corresponds to Ventricular Systole)
End of T wave to subsequent R wave
(corresponds to Ventricular Diastole)

Cycle 1

CH 2 T
Cycle 2
Cycle 3

Mean

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Biopac Student Lab

B. Seated, deep breathing

Table 5.6
Rhythm

CH #

Cycle 1

Cycle 2

Cycle 3

Mean

Cycle 2

Cycle 3

Mean

Inspiration
T

CH 2

BPM

CH 2

Expiration
T

CH 2

BPM

CH 2

C. Sitting
Table 5.7
Heart Rate

CH #

CH 2

BPM

CH 2

Cycle 1

D. After Exercise
Table 5.8
CH 2 T
Ventricular Readings
QT Interval
(corresponds to Ventricular Systole)

Cycle 1

Cycle 2

Cycle 3

Mean

End of T wave to subsequent R wave

(corresponds to Ventricular Diastole)

II.

Data Summary and Questions

E. Heart Rate (BPM)

Condition

Mean

Range

Supine, regular breathing

Seated, deep breathing, inhalation
Supine, deep breathing, exhalation
Sitting, regular breathing
After exercise start of recording
After exercise end of recording

Explain the changes in heart rate between conditions. Describe the physiological mechanisms causing these changes.

Lesson 5: ECG I

Page 19

F. Duration ( T)
Rhythm
Measurement

Mean

Range

Supine, regular breathing

Inhalation
Exhalation
Supine, deep breathing
Inhalation
Exhalation

Are there differences in the cardiac cycle with the respiratory cycle?

Measurement

Mean

Range

Supine, regular breathing

Ventricular systole
Ventricular diastole
After Exercise
Ventricular systole
Ventricular diastole

What changes occurred in the duration of systole and diastole between resting and post-exercise?

G. Review your Data

1. Is there always one P wave for every QRS complex? Yes No

2. Describe the P and T wave shapes:

3. Do the wave durations and amplitudes for all subjects fall within the normal ranges listed in Table 5.2? Yes No
4. Do the ST-segments mainly measure between 0.1 mV and 0.1 mV? Yes No
5. Is there baseline drift in the recording? Yes No
6. Is there baseline noise in the recording? Yes No
End of Lesson 5 Data Report