Exploring the relationship between Heart Rate and Ventilation Rate in humans.

Personal Engagement
When studying the Human Physiology topic I became fascinated by the structure and function of the
heart. Being such an integral organ of the body and having myogenic rhythm i found it intriguing. I
became passionate about learning more about its role and tthe
he changes that occur in different situations.
Because the circulatory system and respiratory system are interdependent I wondered how much their
changes were linked to one another. This led me to my general research questions.
The Research Question
In this
his investigation I will be considering the following general research question:
Does increased exercise affect the ventilation rate and heart rate in mammals?
I have decided to test a range of amounts of activity and record the ventilation and heart rates
r
before and
after exercise. This will allow me to evaluate whether a correlation exists between increased exercise and
the heart rate and ventilation rate of individuals.
The following is my focused research question:
Does a change in the amount of intensive exercise have an effect on the heart and ventilation rates of 17
year old humans, where these rates are measured prior to and immediately following exercise?

Hypothesis
For this investigation, I expect to find that as duration of exercise increases, so too will heart rate and
ventilation rate. I predict that both of these values will increase in a linear fashion and then plateau at a
certain level of exercise. I think thiss because the heart and lungs cant continue to get faster and faster
with no limit.
I predict the graph for both variables will look similar to this.

Background information
During exercise, the partial pressure of Carbon Dioxide at the tissues is grea
greater
ter than at rest due to an
increase cell respiration where Carbon Dioxide is produced as a by
by-product
product in both the Link Reaction
and Krebs cycle (Clegg et al., 2007). As more ATP is required, the more times the cell respiration process
must take place, which
ich produces both more ATP and Carbon Dioxide. In order for cell respiration to take
place in the tissues, oxygen is required there to act as the final electron acceptor in chemiosmosis
where it is reduced to form water (another by
by-product). In exercise, more ATP is required, so the rate of
cell respiration is increased and therefore more oxygen is required to prevent anaerobic respiration from
taking place.
Partial pressures of carbon dioxide at the tissues are relatively high due to the aforementioned reasons,
while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood is low. Carbon dioxide in the tissues displaces the

oxygen within the haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in the oxygen diffusing into the tissues and the
carbon dioxide combining with haemoglobin to be transported back to the lungs, in the blood (Clegg et al.,
2007). The oxygen within the tissues is then used in cell respiration, as previously explained.
Partial pressures of oxygen at the lungs are relatively high upon inspiration, whereas in the blood at the
lungs the partial pressure of oxygen is low due to the presence of carbon dioxide within the haemoglobin
(Clegg et al., 2007). As a result, oxygen displaces carbon dioxide from the haemoglobin, which can then
be transported to the tissues. Carbon dioxide diffuses across the basement membrane, into the alveoli
and is expelled from the lungs upon expiration. Ventilation is required for the inhalation of oxygen and the
exhalation of carbon dioxide in this process.
In order for the exchange of these gases to take place both at the tissues and at the lungs, differences
must be maintained between the partial pressures of these gases in the bloodstream and the partial
pressures of these gases in the tissues/alveoli. This difference is maintained through the constant
movement of blood around the body. During exercise, cell respiration rate increases, requiring both more
oxygen and producing more carbon dioxide. As a result, heart rate must increase upon exercise in order
to both continue to provide the gradient for gas exchange to occur at the tissues and at the lungs, and to
provide sufficient amounts of haemoglobin for the transport of these gases through the provision of
erythrocytes containing haemoglobin (Clegg et al., 2007). Ventilation rate must also increase, in order for
this greater concentration of carbon dioxide to be removed from the blood stream (and expelled from the
body) and to provide a greater volume of oxygen to be transported to the tissues (through the
bloodstream) for cell respiration. Ventilation rate also increases upon exercise to maintain the difference
in partial pressures of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the bloodstream and the alveoli, so that gas
exchange can occur between these areas, when volumes of these gases increase due to increased
activity, and hence increased heart rate.
Variables
Independent and Dependent Variables
The Independent Variable is the amount of exercise, as it is as a result of a change in this variable that
leads to a change in my dependant variables, the ventilation rate and heart rate. As the duration of
exercise increases, the heart rate and ventilation rate are required to respond similarly in order for gas
exchange to occur at the required rate. The amount of exercise will be varied by climbing a different
number of stairs each time. Participants will run up 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and finally 6 flights of stairs. Each flight of
stairs will be 10 steps high.
The Dependent Variables will therefore be the ventilation rate and heart rate, as according to my
hypothesis, both rates are affected by a change in my independent variable exercise. As the
independent variable either increases/decreases, ventilation rate and heart rate is required to respond
similarly due to a need for the exchange of these gases between the bloodstream and the tissues/alveoli
to occur at a greater rate.
In order to record these two measurements the following procedures will be used (more details given in
method).
Measuring heart rate- Using a stethoscope and counting how many beats are heard in 1 minute.
Measuring ventilation rate- With the individual lying down, ventilation rate will be measured by counting
the number of times the chest rises in a minute.

Control Variables
Variable to control

How it will be controlled

Why it needs to be controlled

Excursion prior to experiment

The experiment will be carried out in

the morning and the participants will
be asked to not take part in any
physical activity on the morning of
the test.

Depending on how recent the

exercise was, it might affect the
starting heart rate and ventilation
rate that we measure. Or more likely
it could affect the performance of
the participant. We want to be able
to compare rates before and after
exercise but the difference in these
may not be as great if the participant
is already exhausted and can not
fulfil the test appropriately.

Rest period

To ensure each participant is

starting the exercise with resting
heart rate they will be seated for 10
minutes after arriving at the test
area.

There is a measurable difference

between the heart rate of an
individual fully rested, standing and
after doing physical exertion. For the
sake of this experiment the resting
heart rate will be measure when the
participant is seated. This will
remove any variation in heart and
ventilation rates due to increased
respiration, due to muscles being
used to support the body.

Exercise to be performed

All participants will be asked to

climb the same 6 sets of stairs, in
total the most participants will climb
are 60 step. They will perform each
test as fast as possible.

As a comparison is being made it is

essential to ensure that the impact
of the exercise on each individuals
circulatory and respiratory system is
the same.

Age

All participants will be between 16 to

18 years of age.

Age may affect maximum and

minimum heart rates. If this is the
case having participants who are
similar in age should eliminate any
extremes. As age increases so does
the likelihood of heart and lung
disease (with other factors being the
cause). We dont want disease or
illness to affect our results.

Body Mass Index

All participants will have a BMI

within the normal range of 18-25.

For safety reasons we will only use

participants within the normal
range as they are deemed healthy.
Again healthy individuals are likely
to remove the likelihood any
extremes in data. Unhealthiness is a
major factor contributing to heart
disease. We want to eliminate the
chance of disease affecting our
results.

Fitness

None of the
professional or
athletes.

The aim is to show the effect

exercise has on a normal
individual. Having an individual who
is a trained athlete will skew the
data.

participants are
semi-professional

Food intake

Participants will be asked to not

consume food or drink, with the
exception of water, for two hours
prior to exercise.

Food affects our ability to be active.

Carbohydrates and fats are the
bodys energy source. An intake of
high sugar food for example would
mean the participant had a high
proportion of glucose in the
bloodstream which may make cell
respiration easier, which in turn may
affect the rates to be measured.

Stimulants

Participants will be asked not to

consume any stimulants of the day
of the test.

Drugs such as caffeine affect the

speed at which our bodys are able
to respond and work. Stimulants are
known to speed up the heart heart
rate. We dont want a factor other
than exercise affecting our results.

Preliminary experiment
I was unsure of how many flights of stairs to ask participants to climb. I therefore attempted to run up as
many flights as possible as fast as possible. My upper limit for this was 6 flights of stairs. As a person of
what I would consider average fitness (exercising on average 2/3 times a week) I thought this number
appropriate.
Apparatus
One digital stopwatch (to nearest millisecond) (+/- 0.5ms)
Six flights of stairs (x60 steps in total)
Method
Prior to experimentIt is important that the heart rate and ventilation rates of all individuals are being collected in the same
way so instructions and demonstrations should be given to all those recording measurements. The
following instructions detail how to use a stethoscope (http://www.mypatraining.com/stethoscope-andhow-to-use-it).
1. Wearing the stethoscope: Place the ear tips in the ears, and twist them until they point slightly
forward (toward your nose).
2. Location: Find a quiet area without much background noise.
3. Holding it: Hold the chest piece between your index and middle finger on your dominant hand.
4. Placing it. Place the chest piece on the left of the sternum just above the left nipple. Place the chest
piece (diaphragm or bell) directly against skin (it is not recommended you hold it over a layer of clothing
as doing so can cause you to miss count the heartbeat).

5. Recording: When the heart sounds are clear, and remembering a lub
lub-dub
dub is one beat, use a
stopwatch to time 1 minute and record the total number of beats in a minute.

Note.. Image from http://phoenixhealthfund.com/images/publichospital

http://phoenixhealthfund.com/images/publichospital-nurse.png
To measure the ventilation rate
1. Ask the participant to lay on the floor on their back.
2. Observe the chest rising and falling as they breathe.
3. Count the number of times the chest rises, whilst using a stopwatch to time for 1 minute. (Uncertainty
+/- one breathe)
NB- This experiment will require two individuals to measure data at the same time. As one
measures heart rate the other will measure ventilation rate.
Selection of participants
All individuals will have been invited and subsequently agreed to volunteer to participate in the
experiment.
Their mass and height will be measured and BMI calculated using the following formula.
Body mass (kg) divided by height squa
squared (m)
Only if the volunteer has a BMI between 18
18-25 will they be eligible to participate.
When volunteers are given the date of the experiment inform them that they can not partake in any
physical activity in the morning of the experiment, they may eat their regular breakfast at least 2 hours
before the activity and they may not consume any stimulants.

Health and safety

In order to ensure the safety of participants the following things have been taken into consideration.
1. All participants will carry out physical activity at least once a week so will be used to carrying out
strenuous exercise.
2. Most accidents happen when individuals descend stairs so participants will use the lift to return to the
ground floor. (www.auburn.edu/cws)
3. Participants will be encouraged to eat their normal breakfast on the morning of the experiment.
4. Water will be readily available throughout the duration of the experiment.
5. Participants will be allowed to stop if they feel unwell at any point.
6. The school nurse is on call if medical attention is required.
The experiment
1. Participant 1 to rest in a seated position for 10 minutes.
2. After 10 minutes measure their resting heart rate and ventilation rate.
3. Before starting the exercise participants are reminded to use the lift to come downstairs to the original
floor.
4. Participant 1 to run as fast as they can up 1 flight of steps (10 stairs in total).
5. Immediately after participant 1 is to lie on the floor. The two individuals recording data will measure
both heart rate and ventilation rate over the course of 1 minute (uncertainty +/-1 beat/breathe)
6. Participant 1 to rest for 10 minutes in the seated position.
7. Participant 1 to run as fast as they can up two flights of stairs, 20 steps in total.
8. Immediately after participant 1 is to lie on the floor and the measurements of both heart rate and
ventilation rate are recorded again (using method described earlier).
9. This is repeated a further 4 times until the participant has climbed 30, 40, 50 and 60 steps, each time
having their heart rate and breathing rate recorded immediately after.
10. This whole procedure is then repeated with 4 different participants.

Data analysis
The data is continuous so will be plotted as a line graph. Both sets of data will be plotted on the same
graph so a comparison can be made between each. It is also important that I can support my hypothesis.
I will compare these two sets of data using Spearmans Rank. This will give me a value to show how
strong a correlation there is between heart rate and ventilation rate. To do this I need to determine
whether there is an increase or not in heart rate and breathing rate. Therefore I will carry out standard
deviation to ascertain whether there is a significant difference between points or not.
Raw data will first be transformed into processed data by calculating a mean for each set of data for one
change in the independent variable.
Standard deviation will then be calculated to work out the spread of 68% of the data from the mean.
Finally Spearmans Rank will be calculated using the excel function. A value between 0 and -1 will
represent a negative correlation, 0 will represent no correlation and between 0 and 1 will represent a
positive correlation.

Mean

Standard deviation

Spearmans Rank

TABLE OF DATA

GRAPH

Graph analysis
The overall trend suggests that as exercise increases both heart rate and ventilation rate increases
(Figure 1). The independent and dependent variables show a positive correlation. There also appears to
be a correlation between the two sets of data. Both appear to have a similar upward trend in terms of rate
of change. This can be seen overall by similar gradients of both lines on the graph. There are data points
that do not fit the overall upward trend. Amount of exercise 2 and 3 had the same affect, on average, on
ventilation rate. And amount of exercise 5 had a lesser effect on ventilation rate that amount of exercise
4. A similar inconsistency can be seen with heart rate. Amount of exercise 6 has a lesser effect on heart
rate than amount of exercise
ercise 5. The rate of change also differs depending on amount of exercise.
Ignoring point 6, there is a greater rate of change in heart rate the more exercise is carried out. The
gradient of the graph between points 3 and 5 is much steeper than it is be
between
tween points 1 and 3. This is
not so true of ventilation rate. if points 3 and 5 were to be ignored then each section of the graph appears
to have a similar gradient suggesting the rate of change of ventilation rate is fairly linear. As suggested
previouslyy in the analysis, I believe the following highlighted data points to be anomalies.

Conclusion
The aim of the experiment was to prove a correlation between change in heart rate and ventilation rate
when there is a change in the amount of exercise. My hypothesis stated that II expect to find that as
duration of exercise increases, so too will heart rate and ventilation rate. The data supports this
hypothesis. Although some points appear to be anomalies there is an overall positive correlation between
exercise
xercise and heart rate and ventilation rate. Using Spearmans rank I can also conclude there is a
correlation between heart rate and ventilation rate with a change in amount of exercise. The correlation
calculated using Spearmans Rank gave a value of 0.79
0.79.. A value of 1 would suggest a strong positive
correlation and 0 no correlation. Therefore, 0.79 gives me confidence concluding that there is a strong
correlation between the effect of exercise on these two body systems. This is to be expected, based on
background knowledge. The more exercise a person carries out the more their muscle cells respire to
allow for the contraction of muscles fibres. A difference in partial pressure of gases must be maintained in
order to keep carbon dioxide and oxygen flowing out of and into the cells respectively. This is achieved by
blood flow caused by cardiac contractions. In order for the blood to be full of oxygen in the first place
ventilation must occur and if muscle cells are using this oxygen up more quickly ventilation
ventila
must also,
therefore, happen quicker.
A study was carried out to investigate the effects of physical exercise on ventilation. Rather than the rate
of ventilation being measure the study used the volume of exhaled air per minute in litres as an indication
indicat
of amount of ventilation. The results support the findings made in this investigation. The relationship here
is much more linear and there is little variability between results collected in different studies. Although my
investigation may be deemed lesss reliable the overall trend is the same.

Note. Graph from Physical exercise - Ventillation, by the University of Missippissi Medical Cente, n.d.

A study investigating the effect of increased intensity of exercise on heart rate showed the following
results.
esults. Heart rate increased as intensity increased. This fits with my findings. However, the correlation
doesnt seem perfectly linear. Heart rate increases more rapidly as intensity increases but as intensity
further increases heart rate increases at a llesser
esser rate. The data in my investigation seems to show the
opposite effect where the heart rate rose slowly between exercise 1 and 3 and faster between 3 and 5
(Figure2.). One problem with comparing my study with this is that exercise intensity and
an amount of
exercise are not the same. Having said this fatigued muscles from climbing stairs could create the same
effect as increased intensity.

Note. Graph from Physical exercise - Haemodynamics, by the University of Missippissi Medical Cente,
n.d.
The error bars (1 STDEV) show great variation in data repeats which suggests the data to be unreliable
(Figure 2.). The difference between exercise 2 and 3 and 5 and 6 can not be classed as significantly
different in terms of a change in heart rate
rate.. The range in % change increases as heart rate increases.
There is a difference of 7% after exercise 1 compared to 55% after exercise 5 (exercise 6 appears to
be an anomaly so has been left out of this example).
For ventilation rate the results are even less reliable. It can be considered that exercise 1 and 2 are
significantly different. However, exercises 2 to 5 can not be concluded as significantly different to one
another. However data points 5 and 6 are (Figure 3.). Even though some data points are unreliable the
Spearmans Rank calculation suggests a strong correlation.
The scientific justification for my findings is that d
during
uring exercise, cell respiration rate increases, requiring
both more oxygen and producing more carbon dioxide. A
As
s a result, heart rate must increase upon
exercise in order to both continue to provide the gradient for gas exchange to occur at the tissues and at
the lungs, and to provide sufficient amounts of haemoglobin for the transport of these gases through the
provision of erythrocytes containing haemoglobin. Ventilation rate must also increase, in order for this
greater concentration of carbon dioxide to be removed from the blood stream (and expelled from the

body) and to provide a greater volume of oxygen to be transported to the tissues (through the
bloodstream) for cell respiration. Ventilation rate also increases upon exercise to maintain the difference
in partial pressures of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the bloodstream and the alveoli, so that gas
exchange can occur between these areas, when volumes of these gases increase due to increased
activity, and hence increased heart rate.
Despite participant 2 having had caffeine before the experiment he did not have the highest heart rate. It
is impossible to tell from my data whether or not it affected the results. What was interesting was that
participant 4 was one of the individuals which appeared flushed after the experiment and they had one of
the highest heart rates. Possible these factors are linked.
Evaluation

Limitation

Why it is a limitation

How it will be improved

Using a stethoscope

There is too much room for human error and it

considerable affected the precision of results. There
was a lot of background noise from the participants
which made it difficult to hear the heartbeats. As the
frequency of heartbeats increases the error seems
to increase as shown by the error bars on the
graph.

Use a digital heart rate monitor

Participants stimulant
intake

One participant admitted to having had a coffee 1.5

hours before the experiment. Caffeine acts as a
stimulant raising heart rate which would have
affected the validity of the results as the subjects
were not as similar in their starting states as
planned.

As caffeine takes more than 6

hours to fully leave the system
(Neuroscience for kids- caffeine,
n.d.) this participant should not
have been allowed to participate.
Or their data should have been
collected the following day.

Measuring ventilation

The method used for ventilation was rather

rudimentary affecting the precision. Also people
were conscious of their breathing and may have
controlled their breathes. This would affects the
accuracy if the results.

Use a spirometer which measures

the volume of inhaled and exhaled
air.

Using
participants

Different subjects were used as a means to repeat

data. The reason we did this was to save time. If we
had used the same individual to complete all test it
would have taken many hours to complete the
study. This reduced reliability of our data.

Use just one participant to

complete all data to make the
results more reliable. Other
subjects could then carry out the
full test as a means to compare
individuals.This would then ensure
that exercise has a similar effect
on all humans.

Suggested anomalies have been made, however,

because there is so much variability in data it has
been hard to identify which results are anomalous.
For example, when the data ranged from a change
in ventilation rate from 19% to 34%, with most data
in the mid 20s, it was impossible to decide whether
to exclude 19%, 34% or both. Because there was
no way of answering this question all data was
included in the average.

Carrying out more repeats will

improve reliability. The more
repeats that are similar gives
confidence that these similar
results are correct. Any that are
too far from these similar data
points can be excluded from
calculated means.

different

Number of repeats

Using number of flights

of stairs climbed as the
independent variable

Other studies I have since looked at changed the

intensity of the exercise by measuring the power
output of the individual. This is a much better
measure of doing more exercise. Although we
asked participants to run up the stairs as they
became more fatigued they ran slower.

Power calculations take into

account work done and the time
taken. This would give us a much
more accurate measurement of
the amount of exercise done.

Fatigue

Participants were enthusiastic at the beginning of

the experiment but they noticeably tired throughout
the morning. By the time they were completing their
final sets their enthusiasm dwindled.

Each change in exercise could be

carried out on a separate day so
fatigue didnt affect the results
collected
later
on
in
the
experiment.

Heart
rate
when
seated and standing is
different

Some of the change in heart rate is not due to the

exercise but instead due to the change in position
from sitting to standing.

Resting heart rate might be better

measured after the participant has
rested for 10 mins but is standing
rather than seated.

Range of independent
variable

In the published data it appears that heart rate and

ventilation rate start to plateau or certainly reduce in
rate of increase. I did not collect a significant range
of data to see this effect.

If I increased the range of number

of flights of stairs climbed it may
allow me to also witness this.

Further development
I would be interested in further developing this investigation to see if there is a link between an increase in
heart rate and heat emitted from the body. As i recorded in my observations people became visibly red in
the face which suggests vasodilation as the body attempts to radiate heat away. I would expect to see a
correlation between these two variables.

References

Chudler, E. H. (n.d.) Effective of caffeine on the nervous system. Retrieved 26 June, 2014, from
https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/caff.html

Clegg, C. J. (2007). Biology for the IB diploma, London: Hodder Education.

Inside PA training. (2012). The stethescope and how to use it. Retrieved 24 June, 2014, from
http://www.mypatraining.com/stethoscope-and-how-to-use-it

Neuroscience for kids. (n.d.) Caffeine. Retrieved 24 June, 2014, from

https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/caff.html

Stairway safety. (n.d.) Retrieved 24th June, 2014, from www.auburn.edu/cws

Stethoscope [Image]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://phoenixhealthfund.com/images/publichospital-nurse.png

University of Mississpi Medical Center. (n.d.). Physical exercise - Haemodynamics [Graph]. Retrieved
from
http://www.umc.edu/Education/Schools/Medicine/Basic_Science/Physiology_and_Biophysics/Core_Facilit
ies(Physiology)/Physical_Exercise_-_Hemodynamics.aspx

University of Mississpi Medical Center. (n.d.). Physical exercise - Ventillation [Graph]. Retrieved from
http://www.umc.edu/Education/Schools/Medicine/Basic_Science/Physiology_and_Biophysics/Core_Facilities(Physiol
ogy)/Physical_Exercise_-_Ventilation.aspx