Practical Investigation 9.2 Effect of Exercise on heart rate
Objective
In this investigation, you will plan and investigate how different levels of exercise effect your
heart rate.
Equipment

Stopwatch

Area for exercise
Method
1. Read the method and plan a suitable table in the ‘Recording data’ section.
2. Remain at rest for at least 1 minute.
3. Measure your pulse on your wrist or your neck for 30 seconds. Count the number of
beats in 30 seconds then multiply by 2 to get your heart rate per minute. This provides
you with the unit for this measurement: your ‘beats per minute’ of the heart.
4. Exercise lightly for 1 minute and record your pulse afterwards.
5. Sit down until your pulse returns to its original resting rate as recorded in step 3.
6. Exercise vigorously for 1 minute and record your pulse.
Safety considerations

Clear a suitable space for your chosen exercise or activity and be aware of any potential
trip hazards

Drink water and rest if you feel unwell at any point.
Recording data
1. Draw a table to record the following:

Resting heart rate

Heart rate after light exercise

Heart rate after heavy exercise.
Handling data
2. Calculate your change in heart rate from resting after each type of exercise.
After light exercise:
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After heavy exercise:
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Analysis
3. Describe the effect that exercise has had on your heart rate.
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4. Explain why your heart rate increased during exercise.
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Evaluation
5. Suggest a more accurate method for measuring your pulse or heart rate.
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