Breathing rate and exercise

Introduction

A group of students counted the number of times they breathed per minute. Then the students started exercising, and measured their breathing rate every two minutes.

After 10 minutes the students stopped exercising and rested, recording their breathing rate over the following five minutes.

Click on the spreadsheet to open the Excel file. Then answer the questions below.

Results

The results shown are average values for these students (column B), who are non-athletes, and for comparison, averages for a group of athletes (column C).

Activity

1. Plot data for the students and the athletes on the same graph.
2. Describe graph A during 0-2 minutes, 4-10 minutes and 11-15 minutes.
3. Explain why the breathing rate increases during exercise.
4. In what ways is the shape of graph B different to graph A?
5. Suggest reasons why the breathing rate for athletes is lower than that of non-athletes.
6. How does this data show that athletes are fitter than non-athletes?

Study the table below in order to answer the remaining questions.

7. The rate at which athletes use consumption is greater than that for non-athletes, yet their breathing rate is lower. How can both these statements be true?
8. How does the data tell you that the breathing rate for athletes will return to normal quicker than for average people?

9. Click on the image below to open a PowerPoint presentation template about breathing rate and exercise. Follow the instructions to complete the presentation.