Cardiovascular Function Practical Report

Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects exercise had on heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The aim was to compare heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between lying supine and when cycling at 100 W intensity and to detect any significant differences. The group of subjects comprised 10 first year Sports Science male (n = 7) and female (n = 3) students. Measurements of subjects heart rate and blood pressure were recorded when lying supine and in the final minute of a 5 minute bout on a cycle ergometer at exercise intensity 100 W. During exercise heart rate needs to increase so as to increase the amount of oxygen to working muscles and to get rid of waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. During exercise it is due to an increase in cardiac output that blood pressure rises; systolic pressure rising quickly and then evening out and diastolic pressure reasonably unaffected. The heart rate readings showed a group result (m...