THE BEAT GOES ON
Level - UndergradHeart rate monitors are devices designed to measure and/or record heart rate during strenuous exercise in order to provide real-time feedback about the work level of your heart. Many of the more expensive models of cardiovascular exercise equipment, like treadmills and stationary bicycles, have built-in heart monitors that record the heart rate when the user grasps hold of sensors on the handles of the equipment. Alternatively, another type of monitor consists of a heart rate-sensing chest strap that sends a signal to a "wristwatch," which displays your heart rate and total elapsed time of the workout.
Some users of these monitors have reported concerns regarding their accuracy. Since inaccurate heart rate data could present serious health risks to the user, it would be useful to examine the use of these devices closely to measure their accuracy and identify potential sources of error.
Your group is challenged to develop a hypothesis for identifying a factor, other than device malfunction or user error, which could contribute to heart rate monitor’s inaccuracy. You will then develop an experimental design to test that hypothesis. Your hypothesis should be formed based on a thorough study of both the physiology behind heart rate measurements and the sensor technology employed in your device. Your experimental study may be conducted with any heart rate monitor you choose. Several will be available for groups to reserve for testing. However, you may find it more convenient to simply purchase one for your group’s exclusive use. Your experiment must be designed to use the number of human subjects necessary to produce statistically significant results.
Each group will present their proposed experimental study on March 8. Some changes may be recommended for your study based on feedback received in this presentation. In the following weeks, the groups will conduct the study. On March 29, each group will present the results of their study. Please note that your experimental protocol must be approved by the Georgia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to beginning your study. As part of this process, every group member must be IRB certified which will require the completion of an on-line certification course. (See http://swiki.bme.gatech.edu/BMED1300 IRB/Human subjects link). Please don’t delay in getting your IRB documents uploaded, as the process may take up to two weeks.