Advances in Physiology Education, Vol 266, Issue 6 2-S9, Copyright © 1994 by American Physiological Society
A computer simulation for learning about the physiological response to exercise
I. P. Coleman, D. G. Dewhurst, A. S. Meehan and A. D. Williams
Faculty of Health and Social Care, Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.
An interactive computer program written for IBM-compatible microcomputers,
which simulates the physiological response to graded exercise in healthy
individuals, is described. The program presents high-resolution graphic
data (heart rate, pulmonary ventilation, oxygen consumption, and blood
lactate concentration) in a form comparable to that of a chart recorder
display. Data are derived from an empirical model that allows users to
select certain parameters of the subject they wish to investigate,
including sex, age, height, weight, and level of training. Measurements may
be taken directly from the monitor screen by use of the cross-hair cursor
facility provided. The program has been positively evaluated in use by
undergraduate students and shown to be an effective teaching aid. The
potential use of the software in light of these findings is discussed.
