EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON PULSE RATE

Lab # _____ Date: ______________

Aim: To determine the effect of exercise on pulse rate.

Apparatus: 1 stopwatch

Method:

1. Remain seated (or lie down) for the first pulse reading.
2. Place two fingers on the inner wrist of the left arm and locate the radial pulse.
3. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds.
4. Record the value in the results table 1.
5. Locate the carotid pulse (on either side of your neck) and count the number of beats for 15
seconds.
6. Repeat the pulse reading two more times.
7. Now, stand and measure the radial pulse reading for 15 seconds.
8. Again, record your results in table 2 and repeat two more times.
9. Do some form of mild exercise for about 1 minute.
10. Measure the radial pulse rate and record your results.
11. Repeat mild exercise and pulse reading two more times.
12. Record your results.
13. Rest for a period of 5 minutes, and while seated, measure the radial pulse reading a total of
three times.
14. Record your results.
15. Calculate the beats per minute (bpm) by multiplying the pulse readings by 4.

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2015

Results:

Table 1 showing Radial and Carotid Pulse Rates at rest.

Radial Pulse Rate (rest) Carotid Pulse Rate (rest)

Beats in 15 Beats per minute Beats in 15 Beats per minute
seconds seconds

1
2
3
AVG

Table 2 showing Radial Pulse Rates before, during and after exercise.

Pulse Rate (before) Pulse Rate (during) Pulse Rate (after)

Beats in 15 Beats per Beats in 15 Beats per Beats in 15 Beats per
seconds minute seconds minute seconds minute
1
2
3
AVG

Discussion:

1. The normal pulse rate for a person at rest is between 60 – 100 bpm. How does your pulse rate
compare to this?
2. Was there any difference between the Radial Pulse and Carotid Pulse at rest? Do you think there
should be? Explain your answer.
3. Was there a difference in pulse rate at rest and before exercise? If so, what do you think may be
the reason?
4. What happened to the pulse rate during exercise and after exercise? Can you explain the
changes?
5. Do you think an athlete’s pulse rate will be higher or lower than your value. Explain.
6. Besides exercise, what other factor do you think will affect pulse rate?

Conclusion: The pulse rate ______________ with exercise.

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2015

(See Pulse Points in the Human Body in the Drawing Appendix)

Mark Scheme: Effect of exercise on pulse rate

CRITERIA TESTED: OBSERVATION, RECORDING AND REPORTING

ORGANISATION AND CONCISENESS MARKS

(i) Logical sequence of report 2
(ii) Sections named 2
(iii) Proper use of tables (correct values in correct cells before 5
calculations) ( 1 x 5)
(iv) Correct use of terminology and expressions (bpm, pulse rate etc.) 1
10

CRITERIA TESTED: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

SUMMARISES DATA MARKS

(i) Calculates the average bpm for each category (1 x 5) 5
(ii) Gives a suitable explanation for any difference between Radial and 1
Carotid pulse
(iii) Gives a suitable explanation for any difference between rest and 1
before exercise
(iv) Explains the changes between pulse rate during and after exercise 2
(v) Predicts whether an athlete’s pulse rate will be higher or lower than 1
their value
10

CXC SYLLABUS COVERAGE: TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2015

 Diagram 19: Pulse Points in the Human Body

© Ron Mahabalsingh 2015