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In brief
Carotid pulse counting is widely used to monitor exercise intensity. However, some researchers believe it may underestimate postexercise heart rates by initiating the carotid sinus reflex. This study compared carotid, radial, and ECG pulse rates in 20 asymptomatic adults. The authors concluded that carotid pulse counts can be used safely by many healthy adults, but because at least one subject had low heart rate counts after carotid palpations, they present some guidelines: Exercisers should (1) perform the procedure correctly, (2) periodically compare the carotid and radial pulses, and (3) exercise at the lower range of their target heart rate zone.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
William Couldry
Mr. Couldry is an assistant professor at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.
Charles B. Corbin
Dr. Corbin is a professor at Arizona State University in Tempe.
Dr. Corbin and Dr. Wilcox are members of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Anthony Wilcox
Dr. Wilcox is an assistant professor at Kansas State University at Manhattan.
Dr. Corbin and Dr. Wilcox are members of the American College of Sports Medicine.