Laboratory work 2: Effect of physical exercise on the cardiovascular system
The aim is to observe how physical load affects pulse rate. The procedure is under teacher supervision: the student sits quietly for 5 minutes and counts the pulse for 1 minute (the resting result). Then they do light exercise (for example, 15–20 squats on the spot or gentle marching on the spot; a student with any health concern does not take part, and stops if dizzy or in pain). Straight after the exercise the pulse is counted again, then every minute until recovery. Results are recorded in a table: rest, after exercise, after 1, 2, 3 minutes. Usually the pulse rises and returns to rest after relaxing. Conclusion: when the load grows the heart works faster, delivering more blood and oxygen to muscles; in a trained person the pulse recovers faster.
Write your results in a table and draw a line graph (time – pulse). Mark the highest point and when it returned to rest.