Abstract

Regular physical activity improves the chances of living a long, healthy life without the risk of cardiovascular disease. To assess the likelihood of an individual later developing heart disease, researchers started using an easily measured parameter for patients of all physicalities: post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR). It is critical to assess HRR in high endurance athletes to determine if the heart is functioning well enough participate in strenuous activities that come with being an athlete. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility of HRR differences in men and women Division III collegiate soccer players and if HRR fluctuated at different points over the course of twelve weeks. Thirty men and women soccer players at the College of Wooster were asked to complete an exercise test that increased their heart rate to observe their heart rate recovery. Heart rate measurements were taken after one minute (HR1) and two minutes (HR2). HRR at one minute (HRR1) and two minutes (HRR2) displayed no significant differences between males and females. Similarly, HRR did not differ according to the week each test was conducted. When examining individual consistency across testing weeks, I found no significant differences for HRR1 or HRR2. Results of the present study were compared to a variety of subjects in other research that had similar and different characteristics than these collegiate soccer players. The results of the present study indicate that biological sex and timing of the exercise test effects higher-level athletes differently than individuals participating in leisure exercise to stay healthy.

Advisor

Brandley, Nicholas

Department

Neuroscience

Disciplines

Biology | Sports Sciences

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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