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Orthostatic Heart Rate Test

Athletes are often under a lot of pressure to perform well regularly. This pressure can result in athletes overtraining and becoming stressed. The Orthostatic Heart Rate Test monitors the athlete's state of health.

Required Resources

To perform the Orthostatic Heart Rate Test, you require

  • Stopwatch
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

  • The athlete lies down and rests for at least 15 minutes
  • The assistant records the athlete's pulse rate (bpm) - R1
  • The athlete stands up
  • 15 seconds later, the assistant records the athlete's pulse rate (bpm) - R2
  • The assistant records the difference between R1 and R2

Assessment

To obtain your Orthostatic Heart Rate, please enter R1 and R2 and select the calculate button.

R1 = R2 = Your Orthostatic Heart Rate is - bpm

If the difference is more significant than 15 to 20 beats, then it is probable that the athlete has not recovered from the previous day's training and is under stress or the onset of a possible cold. The athlete should consider adjusting their training to allow the body to recover.

Alternative Approach

Perform the test as above over 14 days and record your OHR for each day. Review the 14 values and determine a typical range.

Example: An athlete's 14 OHR values are: 7, 7, 9, 8, 9, 8, 9, 7, 7, 9, 8, 8, 10, 8

  • 7 - 4 off
  • 8 - 5 off
  • 9 - 4 off
  • 10 -1 off

A typical range for this athlete's OHR is 7 to 9 bpm. If the athlete finds the OHR for a specific day is higher than nine, review the planned day's training and consider reducing the load and volume of work.

A value above the typical range could indicate the onset of a cold or the body has not recovered from the previous day's training. Other factors may cause a raised OHR, like a disturbed night, so review the last 24 hours and see if something else might have contributed to the raised OHR.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with previous tests' results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement with appropriate recovery between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for anyone but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

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Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (1997) Orthostatic Heart Rate Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/hrtest.htm [Accessed