A Comparison of Postexercise Heart Rates by Telemetry and Self-Pulse Palpation in Middle School-Age Boys

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the accuracy of self-pulse counting as a method of measuring exercise intensity in middle school-age boys. Sixty-three boys (age = 12.7 ± 1.0 years; stature = 157.7 ± 7.0 cm; mass = 49.5 ± 12.4 kg; body fat = 19.1 ± 11.8%; VO_2peak = 52.8 ± 7.8 ml · kg · min^-1) from 15 different schools were instructed in carotid pulse palpation. Participants were instructed to use 2 fingers of either hand, allowed to palpate the carotid artery on either side of the neck, and given the opportunity to briefly practice. Following self-pulse counting instructions and practice, participants were connected to a telemetry system using a single-lead electrocardiogram recording (CM₅). With instructions to walk as fast as possible, they then completed a 720-m shuttle walk on an 18-m course. Postwalk heart rates (HRs) were simultaneously measured via telemetry and self-pulse palpation for 15 sec, with results converted to beats (b)· min^-1. The mean postexercise HR, as determined by telemetry and self-pulse palpation of the carotid artery, were 165.1 ± 22.0 and 143.6 ± 31.3 b · min^-1, respectively. The mean paired difference was 21.6 ± 23.3 b · min^-1. A paired t test revealed significant underreporting of postexercise HR by self-pulse palpation, t(62) = 7.4, p < .001. In total, 56 of the 63 boys reported pulse counts lower than their actual electrocardiogram recordings. We conclude that self-reported postexercise pulse counts are inaccurate in middle school-age boys. If accuracy is paramount, we recommend that a monitoring device should be used or that it be confirmed that individual children can accurately count their own postexercise pulse.