metronome in order to accurately hear and perform the specified step rate produced.Prior to exercise, measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry were taken at rest. According to the designed protocol, the metronome was set to a beginning specified rate (96 steps/min). The assessment time started and the subject began to walk down the two flights of stairs. The subject stepped to the rate given by the metronome, which increased in intensity/speed every two minutes (120 steps/min after 2 min. and 160 steps/min after 4 min.). The assessment period continued for six minutes, in which heart rate was measured throughout every thirty seconds. During the post-exercise/recovery period (a total of three minutes), HR was further recorded every thirty seconds and BP was measured at the beginning of the recovery period (at 6.5 min.). Post-recovery measurements were taken to confirm the subject’s full recovery (6 min. post-exercise). These measurements include HR, BP, and pulse oximetry. Results:Pre-exercise: Resting HR: 62 bpm Resting BP: 120/70 mmHg Pulse Oximetry: 95%Exercise/Recovery: (Table 1.1)Time (min.)Intensity (steps/min.)Heart Rate (bpm)Blood Pressure (mmHg)0.596931.0961071.5961062.0961082.51201123.01201203.51201294.01201304.51601415.01601575.51601636.01601676.5 0158140/757.001467.501208.001048.501119.00101Post-exercise (6 min post-exercise): HR: 66 bpmBP: 120/70 mmHgPulse Oximetry: 98%Discussion:Exercise assessments have many indications. These include assessing “functional class and response to therapy for heart failure” (Willenheimer 2000), assessing hypo/hyper-tension, assessing VO2 Max (maximal oxygen uptake), and an overall physical fitness. Poor physical fitness is associated with an impairment of cardiac function during exercise (Tulppo 1998). The results show the effects rest and exercise have on the cardiovascular system,...
