Accuracy of the Palpation Technique to Assess Exercise Heart Rate During Bench Stepping Exercise

Abstract

This study examined the accuracy of the palpation technique to assess heart rate (HR) during exercise and also examined the degree of association between HR and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Subjects were 20 women (ages 21 to 48 yrs) experienced in bench stepping exercise. During the aerobic phase of the exercise, HR was obtained simultaneously by palpation (Palp HR) and telemetry (Telm HR) for 6, 10, and 15 sec and expressed in beats per minute. In addition, measures of RPE were obtained at each assessment duration. Results indicated no significant differences between Palp HR and Telm HR at any assessment duration although mean differences decreased as assessment duration increased. This finding was substantiated by the increasing degree of association between Palp HR and Telm HR as assessment duration increased; 42, 72, and 89% of the variance of Telm HR was explained by Palp HR when pulse rate was obtained for 6, 10, or 15 sec, respectively. It is concluded that (a) palpation is an accurate technique for assessing HR during aerobic bench stepping; (b) pulse rate should be counted for at least 10 sec; and (c) RPE appears to be an acceptable alternative for monitoring exercise intensity during aerobic bench stepping in women.