Investigating Effect of Physical Activity on Heart Rate (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology): Revision Note
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Investigating Effect of Physical Activity on Heart Rate
It is relatively simple to investigate the effects of exercise on the body in the classroom
Breathing rate can be measured by counting the number of breaths per minute,
1 inhalation + 1 exhalation = 1 complete breath
Heart rate can be measured by taking a pulse
Either can be measured before and after an activity is performed and the results plotted on a bar chart
It is important that the time over which breathing rate and pulse rate are measured is consistent, and that individuals fully recover (rest) before starting a new activity
Increased physical activity results in an increased heart rate and breathing rate
Heart rate remains high for a period of time after the physical activity has stopped, there is a gradual return to the resting heart rate
Explaining the Effect of Physical Activity on the Heart Rate
So that sufficient blood is taken to the working muscles to provide them with enough nutrients and oxygen for increased respiration
An increase in heart rate also allows for waste products to be removed at a faster rate
Following exercise, the heart continues to beat faster for a while to ensure that all excess waste products are removed from muscle cells
It is also likely that muscle cells have been respiring anaerobically during exercise and so have built up an oxygen debt
This needs to be ‘repaid’ following exercise so the heart continues to beat faster to ensure that extra oxygen is still being delivered to muscle cells
The extra oxygen is used to break down the lactic acid that has been built up in cells as a result of anaerobic respiration
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