Short-Term Stability of Resting Pulse Rates in Chiropractic Students

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the short-term stability of resting pulse rate (RPR) over an approximate 10-minute period in college students. Methods: Thirty-one students were recruited as a convenience sample. The RPRs were manually measured in the seated position after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes of seated rest. The RPRs were compared by rest time in repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Mean RPR increased by 1.9 beats per minute (BPM) from 1 minute of pretest rest to the 3-minute measurement (P b .05) and by 1.5 BPM from 3 minutes to 5 minutes (P N .05). Among the 5-, 7-, and 9-minute pretest rested readings, a difference of less than or equal to 0.6 BPM was observed. Statistically significant differences were observed for (a) all comparisons involving the 1-minute rested measurement and (b) the 3-and 7-minute rested measurement. Overall, RPRs began to stabilize beginning with the 5-minute rested measurement. Conclusion: In this sample of participants, RPR measurements could stabilize after a minimum of 5 minutes of pretest rest.

Comment on “Zamariola et al. (2018), Interoceptive Accuracy Scores are Problematic: Evidence from Simple Bivariate Correlations”—The empirical data base, the conceptual reasoning and the analysis behind this statement are misconceived and do not support the authors’ conclusions

“…Moreover, if the HCT test protocol is accomplished correctly, one would expect only small variations in heart rate from trial to trial, within any given individual. For example, Hart (2015a) found that, over a two minute period in a resting condition, changes in mean heart rate were on average only between 1.5 bpm and 1.9 bpm in healthy students (Hart, 2015b). In a situation like heartbeat counting that requires concentration and attention during discrete trials with intermittent resting pauses, rather greater variation in heart rate can be expected (e.g.…”

A mathematical model for predicting post-exercise heart rate recovery

“…Albeit, f c could be expected to fluctuate in a narrow range and hence, could be assumed to be constant. Besides HR remains fairly stable or at worst fluctuates in a narrow range while resting, which indicates that f c fluctuates in a narrow range while resting (28). In the absence of a 'mathematical model' for f c , making this assumption simplifies calculation with minimal compromise with accuracy.…”