Heart Rate Telemetry Research Articles

No energetic cost of anthropogenic disturbance in a songbird

Anthropogenic or natural disturbances can have a significant impact on wild animals. Therefore, understanding when, how and what type of human and natural events disturb animals is a central problem in wildlife conservation. However, it can be difficult to identify which particular environmental stressor affects an individual most. We use heart rate telemetry to quantify the energy expenditure associated with different types of human-mediated and natural disturbances in a breeding passerine, the white-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus). We fitted 0.5g heart rate transmitters to 14 male vireos and continuously recorded heart rate and activity for two days and three nights on a military installation. We calibrated heart rate to energy expenditure for five additional males using an open-flow, push-through respirometry system showing that heart rate predicted 74 per cent of energy expenditure. We conducted standardized disturbance trials in the field to experimentally simulate a natural stressor (predator presence) and two anthropogenic stressors. Although birds initially showed behavioural and heart rate reactions to some disturbances, we could not detect an overall increase in energy expenditure during 1- or 4-hours disturbances. Similarly, overall activity rates were unaltered between control and experimental periods, and birds continued to perform parental duties despite the experimental disturbances. We suggest that vireos quickly determined that disturbances were non-threatening and thus showed no (costly) physiological response. We hypothesize that the lack of a significant response to disturbance in vireos is adaptive and may be representative of animals with fast life histories (e.g. short lifespan, high reproductive output) so as to maximize energy allocation to reproduction. Conversely, we predict that energetic cost of human-mediated disturbances will be significant in slow-living animals.

Habituation potential of yellow-eyed penguins depends on sex, character and previous experience with humans

Animal populations are increasingly challenged by anthropogenic environmental changes. Species, populations and individuals vary in their ability to cope with exposure to human proximity. However, little is known about what drives habituation or sensitization in wild populations. Via behavioural observations and heart rate telemetry during experimental disturbance, we determined the habituation potential of yellow-eyed penguins, Megadyptes antipodes , a key species for nature-based tourism in southern New Zealand. Individual birds differed significantly in both their initial stress response and habituation potential. While some birds did not habituate, or even appeared to be sensitized by frequent disturbance, others habituated. Individual variation in habituation potential depended on previous experience with humans, sex and character (i.e. timid, calm or aggressive). Birds that were exposed to research that involved frequent interactions at the nest site, including blood sampling, several years prior to our experiments were less likely to habituate. Overall, females were more flexible than males in their stress response pattern, and calm individuals appeared to adapt more readily than aggressive birds. Character, classified during penguin–researcher interactions at the nest site, was independent of sex, age or previous experience, and was consistent over two seasons. Initial heart rate response to human approach, also similar between seasons, varied with sex and character of an individual. Yellow-eyed penguins may habituate to short and consistent approaches, but appear unsuitable for unregulated tourist visits at nest sites. Individual differences in habituation potential to human disturbance can have fitness consequences and may lead to contemporary evolutionary change in the composition of breeding populations.

Long-term effects of a playground markings and physical structures on children's recess physical activity levels

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of a playground redesign intervention across time on children's recess physical activity levels using combined physical activity measures and to evaluate the potential influence of covariates on the intervention effect. Method. Fifteen schools located in areas of high deprivation in one large city in England each received £20,000 through a national £10 million Sporting Playgrounds Initiative to redesign the playground environment based on a multicolored zonal design. Eleven schools served as matched socioeconomic controls. Physical activity levels during recess were quantified using heart rate telemetry and accelerometry at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months following the playground redesign intervention. Data were collected between July 2003 and January 2005 and analyzed using multilevel modeling. Results. Statistically significant intervention effects were found across time for moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity assessed using both heart rate and accelerometry. Conclusions. The results suggest that a playground redesign, which utilizes multicolor playground markings and physical structures, is a suitable stimulus for increasing children's school recess physical activity levels.

Physiological and reproductive consequences of human disturbance in Humboldt penguins: The need for species-specific visitor management

Over the last decade the Humboldt penguin, Spheniscus humboldti, has become a focus for ecotourism. Current management applies visitor guidelines similar to those developed for Magellanic penguins, Spheniscus magellanicus. However, unlike these, Humboldt penguins are extremely sensitive to human presence. Breeding success was significantly reduced at frequently visited sites. Heart rate telemetry during disturbance experiments revealed that Humboldt penguins respond more strongly to human presence than do any other penguin species thus far studied. A person passing an incubating penguin at 150 m distance already provoked a significant heart rate response. Recovery times were up to half an hour after direct human approach, causing increased energy expenditure without any overt behavioural reaction. Being extraordinary sensitive to human activity with little habituation potential the Humboldt penguin proves to be a difficult focal species for ecotourism. For sustainable ecotourism visitors are required to stay out of sight of Humboldt penguin breeding and moulting areas. Management guidelines need to acknowledge that even closely related species may react very differently towards human presence.

Accelerometry combined with heart rate telemetry in the assessment of total energy expenditure

The aim of the present study was: (1) to develop a new method for total energy expenditure (TEE) assessment, using accelerometry (ACC) and heart rate (HR) telemetry in combination; (2) to validate the new method against the criterion measure (DLW) and to compare with two of the most common methods, FLEX-HR and ACC alone. In the first part of the study VO(2), HR and ACC counts were measured in twenty-seven subjects during walking and running on a treadmill. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the HR and ACC methods an analysis model was developed, using ACC at intensities of low and medium levels and HR at higher intensities. During periods of inactivity, RMR is used. A formula for determining TEE from ACC, HR and RMR was developed: TEE = 1.1x(EQ(HR) x TT(HR) + EQ(ACC1) x TT(ACC1) + EQ(ACC2) x TTACC2 + RMR x TT(RMR)). In the validation part of the study a sub-sample of eight subjects wore an accelerometer, HR was logged and TEE was measured for 14 d with the DLW method. Analysis of the Bland-Altman plots with 95 % CI indicates that there are no significant differences in TEE estimated with HR-ACC and ACC alone compared with TEE measured with DLW. It is concluded that the HR-ACC combination as well as ACC alone has potential as a method for assessment of TEE during free-living activities as compared with DLW.

Tri-Axial Accelerometry and Heart Rate Telemetry: Relation and Agreement With Behavioral Observationin Elementary Physical Education

The relation and agreement of tri-axial accelerometry and heart rate telemetry in measuring moderate to vigorous physical activity were examined in association to behavioral observation during 1st- and 2nd-grade physical education. In Study 1, physical activity measures of heart rate and behavioral observation were collected on 346 participants ages 6-9 years (M = 7.27, SD = 0.58). In Study 2, participants (N = 125) were 6-9 (M = 6.98, SD = 0.72) years old and had their physical activity measured via tri-axial accelerometry and behavioral observation. Tri-axial accelerometry and observation (r = .77 to .79, p ≤ .01) demonstrated a stronger relation than heart rate and observation (r = .42 to .49, p ≤ .01). Bland-Altman plots (Bland & Altman, 1986) revealed a marginally better agreement between tri-axial accelerometry and observation than between heart rate and observation, but both accelerometry and heart rate telemetry significantly overestimated physical activity time. In conclusion, neither accelerometry nor heart rate, following the instrumentation data collection protocol in this study, would be an acceptable alternative for behavioral observation.

The effect of multicolor playground markings on children's physical activity level during recess

Background. British children do not meet daily physical activity recommendations, and as yet no sustainable intervention has been reported to address their sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of this investigation was twofold: First, to examine whether painting playgrounds with multicolored markings would increase the percent of recess time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) in girls and boys and second to quantify the contribution recess makes to national recommendations for young people's physical activity. Methods. MVPA and vigorous physical activity (VPA) were measured using short wave heart rate telemetry. Physical activity levels were compared before and after playgrounds were painted in 4 intervention schools and compared to 4 matched schools with unmarked playgrounds. Schools were situated in areas of deprivation. Ninety-nine children completed the study. Results. A significant interaction (group × time) was evident for MVPA and VPA. Time spent in MVPA and VPA increased significantly in intervention schools as a result of playground painting. Boys were more active than girls, and activity decreased with age, but neither difference reached significance. Conclusion. Multicolor playground markings can be a low-cost method of increasing children's daily physical activity levels in the short term. If these increases were sustained, then school playgrounds with multicolor markings would make a valuable contribution to physical activity recommendations for young people.

Physical Activity during School Recess: The Liverpool Sporting Playgrounds Project

Recess offers primary school age children the opportunity to engage in physical activity, though few studies have detailed the physical activity levels of children in this environment. The physical activity levels of 270 children ages 6-11 years from 18 schools were monitored on 1 school day using heart rate telemetry. Data revealed that boys engaged in higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than did girls during recess (26 and 20 min, respectively). These results suggest that recess can make a worthwhile contribution to the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day.

A Skill-Based Conditioning Games Approach to Metabolic Conditioning for Elite Rugby Football Players

Gamble, P. A skill-based conditioning games approach to metabolic conditioning for elite rugby football players. J. Strength Cond. Res. 18(3)491–497.—The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in endurance fitness of elite-level rugby union players (n = 35) undertaking skill-based conditioning games for a 9-week preseason training period. Metabolic conditioning was conducted exclusively in the form of skill-based conditioning games in conjunction with heart rate (HR) telemetry. Two markers of cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed at weekly intervals via the recording of HR responses to an intermittent multistage shuttle test. Significant differences post-training were observed for the percentage of maximal HR (% HRmax) reached during the final test stage and the percentage of HR recovery (% HR recovery) from the end of the final stage to the end of the final 1-minute rest period. Significant improvements were demonstrated for % HR recovery at week 7 (p < 0.05) and week 9 (p < 0.01), and % HRmax in the final test stage was significantly lower at weeks 4, 5, and 7 (p < 0.05) and week 9 (p < 0.01). Further improvements from mid-preseason to the end of the preseason training period were observed for % HR recovery scores in week 8 (p < 0.01) and week 9 (p = 0.012) and for % HRmax reached in the final test stage at week 9 (p < 0.05). These results indicate skill-based conditioning games were successful at improving markers of cardiorespiratory endurance for the duration of a 9-week training period in the elite-level professional rugby union players studied. The HR monitoring was demonstrated to be an effective and practical means of quantifying intensity in the conditioning games format and of tracking changes in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Children??s Heart Rates During Italian Physical Education Lessons

1027 Previous reports indicate that the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA, HR > 150 bpm) American children receive during physical education (PE) class is falling far short of national recommendations which call for children to be engaged in MVPA for at least 50% of PE class time. PURPOSE: To determine the amount of MVPA children obtain during Italian PE lessons. METHODS: Levels of physical activity were assessed using heart rate (HR) telemetry in 30 girls and 35 boys (mean age 11.7 +/− 0.8 yr) from two schools identified as having a PE curriculum taught by a PE specialist. Each subject had their HR measured during one co-educational class which consisted of activities and sports common to the Italian PE curriculum. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed that the average PE class used 39.5 minutes of the scheduled 45 minute class, whilst children spent 42.5% of class time in MVPA. Girls had a significantly higher average HR during PE class than boys (151.9 +/− 14.9 bpm vs. 138.2 +/− 16.0 bpm, p = .001) and girls spend significantly more time in MVPA than boys (52.2% vs. 34.1%, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of MVPA girls engage in during Italian PE lessons is encouraging, although efforts are needed to increase the amount of time boys spend in MVPA during PE class. Larger studies with a randomly selected sample of schools are needed to determine if levels of MVPA found in this study are typical of PE lessons throughout Italy.

Childrenʼs Heart Rates During Italian Physical Education Lessons

1027 Previous reports indicate that the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA, HR > 150 bpm) American children receive during physical education (PE) class is falling far short of national recommendations which call for children to be engaged in MVPA for at least 50% of PE class time. PURPOSE: To determine the amount of MVPA children obtain during Italian PE lessons. METHODS: Levels of physical activity were assessed using heart rate (HR) telemetry in 30 girls and 35 boys (mean age 11.7 +/− 0.8 yr) from two schools identified as having a PE curriculum taught by a PE specialist. Each subject had their HR measured during one co-educational class which consisted of activities and sports common to the Italian PE curriculum. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed that the average PE class used 39.5 minutes of the scheduled 45 minute class, whilst children spent 42.5% of class time in MVPA. Girls had a significantly higher average HR during PE class than boys (151.9 +/− 14.9 bpm vs. 138.2 +/− 16.0 bpm, p = .001) and girls spend significantly more time in MVPA than boys (52.2% vs. 34.1%, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of MVPA girls engage in during Italian PE lessons is encouraging, although efforts are needed to increase the amount of time boys spend in MVPA during PE class. Larger studies with a randomly selected sample of schools are needed to determine if levels of MVPA found in this study are typical of PE lessons throughout Italy.

Angling-induced cardiac disturbance of free-swimming largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) monitored with heart rate telemetry

The sub-lethal effects of catch-and-release angling have been poorly studied because of the difficulties in monitoring physiological parameters in free-swimming fish. Laboratory studies provide the opportunity to examine sub-lethal effects in controlled environments, but do not incorporate site-specific characteristics. In this study we angled free-swimming largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) equipped with heart rate transmitters to exhaustion using rod and reel, and exposed fish to air for 30 s. Experiments were repeated at four water temperatures (13, 17, 21, and 25°C). These field data were compared with published findings from largemouth bass collected at the same water temperatures in a controlled laboratory setting using Doppler flow probes. Field collected heart rate data increased with increasing water temperatures (Q10 values 1.30–1.37). Pre-disturbance heart rates were ∼30% higher for free-swimming fish in the field than previously collected laboratory data at the same water temperatures. Fish angled in the field exhausted ∼40% more rapidly than fish chased in the laboratory. Maximal heart rate was ∼15% higher for free-swimming fish in the field than for data collected from laboratory restrained fish, but scope for heart rate was reduced by up to 20% in the field, especially at higher water temperatures. Heart rate in free-swimming fish was highly variable at all times, obscuring clear recovery patterns. Conversely, laboratory cardiac parameters exhibited less variable patterns, peaking clearly following disturbances and recovering in about 135 min, independent of water temperature. Based upon these findings, we suggest that comprehensive studies incorporating both laboratory and field experiments are needed for truly understanding the effect of catch-and-release angling on fish.

Girls’ Physical Activity during High School Physical Education: Influences of Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

This study assessed the physical activity levels of 20 high school girls (age 13 years, SD = 1.1) during physical education classes, over an 8-month period. Physical activity was measured by heart rate telemetry and accelerometry. Skinfold measurements were used to estimate percent body fat, and peak VO2 was assessed by maximal treadmill running. Girls engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) for 38.5% of class time and produced 961.8 vector magnitude (Vmag) counts · min−1. Body fat was inversely correlated with Vmag counts · min−1 (r = −.65, p &lt; .01) and peak VO2 (r = −.65, p &lt; .01). Girls’ MVPA in physical education did not meet the Healthy People 2010 50% of class time criterion. Body fat significantly predicted 42% of the variance in Vmag counts · min−1. Cardiorespiratory fitness appeared not to influence physical activity during physical education, regardless of measurement method. Girls’ physical activity in physical education may be improved if schools advocate planned lesson outcomes that aim to maximize opportunities for physical activity.

Increasing Children’s School Time Physical Activity Using Structured Fitness Breaks

Fifth-grade students’ physical activity levels were examined via heart rate telemetry and pedometry during school fitness and recess breaks. Twenty-seven students with a mean age of 11.03 (-.32) years participated in morning recess (MR), lunch recess (LR), and fitness breaks (FB) for three days. Structured FB’s consisted of students engaging in locomotor and nonlocomotor activities within an obstacle course framework, while recess breaks followed a traditional model. Results from repeated measures ANOVAs indicated students engaged in significantly more physical activity during FB than MR and LR. Fitness breaks provided a viable method for increasing children’s school time activity levels.

Children’s Heart Rates and Enjoyment Levels during PE Classes in Hong Kong Primary Schools

Levels of activity and enjoyment were measured in 73 Hong Kong primary school children (39 girls and 34 boys), during regularly scheduled physical education (PE) classes. Classroom activities were classified into one of 4 types (ball games, athletics, gymnastics and free play). Activity levels were monitored by heart rate telemetry and by direct observation (CARS), whilst enjoyment was scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Results showed that the average PE class used 22 minutes of the scheduled 35 class time, whilst the students spent 3.7 min in moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) activity (60-90%HRR), and nearly 50% of the children spent less than 2 minutes with their heart rate above 159 beats · min−1. There were no significant differences in activity levels between genders. Ball games and free play generally produced statistically higher heart rates and CARS values than gymnastics. The levels of enjoyment were low (3.7 − 1.0), but did not vary significantly between gender or activity type. A variety of social and environmental factors may contribute to these low activity and enjoyment levels.

Student Physical Activity Patterns: Grade, Gender, and Activity Influences

The purpose of this study was to determine how physical education students’ cardiovascular responses as determined by mean heart rate, standard deviation of heart rate, and percentage of time in target heart rate zone varied according to student characteristics. Participants were 505 students in Grades 3 through 12. The Polar Accurex Plus heart rate telemetry system was used to measure the physiological load on the cardiovascular system. Three-way ANOVA results suggested that heart rate patterns in physical education varied according to gender, grade, and activity. For example, secondary school girls were more active in individual activities while secondary school boys were more active in team sport activities. Elementary students were the most active group and had the most variability in their heart rate patterns.

Physical Activity, Perceived Competence and Enjoyment During High School Physical Education

This study aimed to assess the levels of physical activity, perceived competence and enjoyment of English secondary school children. Seventy three students (mean age 13.1 years) from 5 schools took part Physical activity was assessed during Physical Education (PE) lessons using heart rate telemetry. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured by a post lesson questionnaire. Perceived competence and enjoyment were moderately correlated among boys (p<0.001) and girls (p<0.05). Girls'PE enjoyment was negatively associated with levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA, p<0.05). Team games engaged students in most MVPA (p<0.0001). Boys enjoyed team games more than girls, who in turn most enjoyed individual activities (p<0.0001). Students classified in the low MVPA group reported higher levels of enjoyment than their high MVPA peers (p<0.05). Continued research into the relationship between psychological outcomes and physical activity within PE is necessary to determine teaching approaches that most effectively promote physical activity promotion.

HEART RATE TELEMETRY AND AEROBIC POWER IN OBESE AND LEAN BOYS

Daytime heart rate (HR) telemetry and peak aerobic power (peak VO2) were assessed in 15 obese (age (x ± SD): 10.59 ±0.14 yr., body mass: 47.7±5.4 kg, and fat content: 37.2 ±3.9 %), and 15 lean boys (age: 10.62 ±0.18 yr., body mass: 28.6±3.4 kg, and fat content: 14.3 ±2.8 %). HR was continuously monitored for 12 hours during two weekdays and one weekend, using Polar Vantage XL. Peak VO2 was assessed by open circuit spirometry during graded treadmill running. Result of HR telemetry indicated that there were no significant differences between obese and lean boys in mean HR, activity HR (mean HRresting HR), % of time spent above 60% or 40% of HR reserve (HRR), % of time spent above ventilatory-threshold HR, or % of time spent above HR of 159 bpm. In addition, neither peak VO2 relative to body mass nor 1200 meter-run/walk time (RWT) had a significant correlation with any of the HR telemetry indices in obese or lean boys (r = 0.06 – 0.49; p = 0.070.85). The relationship between peak VO2 and RWT was much stronger in lean boys (r = -0.826, p = 0.000) than in obese subjects (r = -0.664, p = 0.007). It was concluded, therefore, that despite having lower relative to body mass peak VO2 , young obese boys do not seem to have lower physical activity level than lean boys do.

Promoting children's physical activity in primary school: an intervention study using playground markings

The physical activity levels of 47, 5- to 7-year-old children were assessed before and after a school playground was painted with fluorescent markings. Children‘s physical activity was measured using heart rate telemetry during three playtimes before and after the markings were laid down. Children in the experimental and control groups spent 27 and 29 min, respectively, in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) before the intervention, increasing to 45 and 36 min, respectively, during the intervention period. MVPA, vigorous physical activity (VPA) and mean heart rate remained relatively stable in the control group compared to respective increases of 10 and 5% of playtime and 6 beats min - 1 in the experimental group during the intervention period. The ANCOVA analysis revealed significant interactions and main effects for the intervention for MVPA, VPA and mean heart rate. Conversely there were no main effect differences between groups. These results suggest that while playground markings had a significant and positive influence on children's physical activity, factors other than playground markings may also influence children's physically active play.

CROSSMODAL COMPARISONS OF PERCEPTUALLY-BASED EXERCISE.

690 This study compared relative physiological responses at 2 self-selected exercise intensities among four exercise machines: treadmill (TM), leg cycle (C), Body Trec elliptical arm/leg (BT), and Airdyne (AD). Twenty subjects (8 M/12 F; age 44±12 yrs) completed a maximal exercise test and a 15 min production trial (PT) on each machine at self-selected workrates corresponding to target RPEs of 11-12 (LOW) and 15-16 (HIGH). Workloads were self-adjusted for 5 minutes and remained stable for the rest of the trial. Test order was randomly assigned, and subjects were blinded to workloads during each of the PTs. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were obtained during the last 5 min of each PT via HR telemetry and Aerosport TEEM 100_. Mode-specific peak VO2 (ml/kg/min) and HR were TM (36.0±10; 178±18); C (28.2±10; 162±20); AD (30.6±10; 170±18); BT (30.6±9; 170±17). Peak TM VO2 & HR were significantly higher than other modes, and peak C HR was < AD & BT (p<0.05). Mode-specific relative HR (%MHRR) and VO2 (%VO2peak) were compared across modes using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. (Table)TableBT & AD elicited higher mean %VO2 during LOW PTs, and BT had > %MHRR than other modes. No significant mean differences in %VO2 or %MHRR were observed across HIGH PTs. Considerable inter-individual variability was observed for relative intensity on all machines and at both intensities (S.D.±10-20%). These data indicate that generalized RPE targets (i.e., 11-12) yield less reliable relative physiological data during arm/leg exercise compared to leg only exercise and may not result in expected intensities (i.e., %VO2/%MHRR) during exercise training.