A student wants to investigate the relationship between heart rate and blood pressure responses during a 20-minute aerobic training session. Analyse suitable methods for collecting this data and explain potential challenges they might face. (7 marks)
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Sample Answer
- A continuous heart rate monitor with chest strap would provide uninterrupted heart rate data throughout the session without disturbing the exercise rhythm or intensity.
- Blood pressure measurement using an automated cuff would require the participant to momentarily pause or reduce intensity to obtain readings, potentially affecting the natural physiological response.
- Taking blood pressure readings at set intervals (pre-exercise, 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes, and recovery) would provide trend data without excessive disruption to the exercise session.
- Body movement during exercise creates artifacts in both heart rate and blood pressure measurements, requiring careful technique and possibly repeated measurements for accuracy.
- Environmental factors like temperature and humidity should be recorded as they influence both heart rate and blood pressure responses independently of exercise intensity.
- Positioning of the blood pressure cuff must remain consistent to ensure comparable readings, which can be challenging during dynamic movements in aerobic training.
- Synchronising the timing of heart rate and blood pressure data points is essential for valid correlation analysis, requiring precise coordination of measurement protocols.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- A continuous heart rate monitor with chest strap would provide uninterrupted heart rate data throughout the session without disturbing the exercise rhythm or intensity.
- Blood pressure measurement using an automated cuff would require the participant to momentarily pause or reduce intensity to obtain readings, potentially affecting the natural physiological response.
- Taking blood pressure readings at set intervals (pre-exercise, 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes, and recovery) would provide trend data without excessive disruption to the exercise session.
- Body movement during exercise creates artifacts in both heart rate and blood pressure measurements, requiring careful technique and possibly repeated measurements for accuracy.
- Environmental factors like temperature and humidity should be recorded as they influence both heart rate and blood pressure responses independently of exercise intensity.
- Positioning of the blood pressure cuff must remain consistent to ensure comparable readings, which can be challenging during dynamic movements in aerobic training.
- Synchronising the timing of heart rate and blood pressure data points is essential for valid correlation analysis, requiring precise coordination of measurement protocols.