Introduction by K. Shea

"Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms in order to maintain

life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and

respond to their environments.

This experiment measures basic body metabolic parameters:

— pulse

– respiration rate

– blood pressure

– temperature and sweat


The objective of this lab is to measure body metabolic mechanisms in response to different

levels of exercise: pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, temperature (internal and

external) and sweat." (shea. k. LabExercisePhysiology.pdf, school notes 2009)

Introduction: Procedures

The three different conditions of activity consisted:

- Having a student volunteer laying down at complete rest for ten minutes.

- Having a student volunteer do a light activity for five minutes.

- Having a student volunteer do intense activity for five minutes.

After each activity the metabolic rates were measured as quickly as possible using: oral

thermometer, ordinary thermometer, sphygmomanometer (blood pressure gauge), piece

of microscope tissue (for sweat), stethoscope.

- The oral thermometer should use cover slips and/or be disinfected with mouth wash before
each use.