P6 -follow guidelines to collect data for heart rate, breathing rate and temperature before and
after a standard period of exercise
M3-explain measures taken to ensure validity and reliability during the practical investigation
The body has an average breathing rate, heart rate, and temperature which is the best
resting environment for all of the systems in the body to function correctly. Breathing rate is
the frequency of air inhaled and exhaled. This is measured in breaths per minute. The
average breathing rate for an adult is somewhere between 12 to 24 breaths per minute. If
breathing rates are out of this range whilst resting it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Temperature is the overall core temperature of the body. This is measured in either degrees
or fahrenheit using a thermometer. There are different types of thermometers which can be
used to take temperature in different parts of the body. Body temperature can be measured
orally, underarm, in-ear, and rectally. Normal core body temperature is around 37 degrees
celsius of 98.6 degrees fahrenheit.
Heart rate is the number of times that the heart beats in one minute. It can be measured
using the pulse point in either the wrist (radial)or the throat (carotid), or by using a ECG
machine. The average heart rate for adults is in the range of between 50-100 beats per
minute.
All of these measurements may change for various reasons. They may change because of
illness, stress, or exercise. It may be someone has just eaten or had a cold drink. When
doing exercise it is expected that all of these variables will rise because the body is
compensating for the energy being used and more oxygen being needed. When the body is
unwell or under stress it is normal for heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature to change
to help the body recover or cope.
I collected data for the heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature of a partner before and
after fifteen minutes of a step exercise we did as a class. These are my results.
Resting Rate Immediately After 5 minutes After 10 minutes
after exercise
Breathing rate 24 31 28 25
per minute
Oral 36.8 37.6 37.1 36.8
temperature
after 2 minutes
Heart rate-
Radial pulse per 72 112 97 85
minute
To ensure that that we had reliability during the practical investigation I practised taking
measurements, following the instructions of my teacher until she was happy I was competent
in doing the techniques.