Graduation Term

2019

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Committee Chair

Dale D. Brown

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine instances of using chest strap type heart rate monitor (HRM) data as a means of identifying otherwise asymptomatic individuals with possible cardiac arrhythmias as examined across four division one collegiate sports teams. METHODS: Heart rate activity was tracked across an entire season of four different division one collegiate teams (men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball). A total of 65 athletes were equipped with heart rate monitors that were worn as allowed during practices and games. Data were collected using chest strap mounted activity sensors (Polar Team Pro sensors attached to Polar Team Pro soft strap). Monitors were maintained by coaching staff and provided to athletes at the beginning of every session and recovered at the conclusion for data upload and analysis. Monitors measured heart rate, accelerations, speed, and distance. All data were uploaded to the monitor's manufacturer website and then collected by the researchers for analysis. RESULTS: During retrospective analysis of recorded data it was identified that an athlete evidenced a heart rate response that could have possibly indicated the presence of some type of arrhythmia. Athlete identified during analysis never made evident any symptoms that would indicate the presence of an abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Although not meant as a means to diagnose a specific cardiac condition it appears that identification of individuals, which would otherwise be asymptomatic, with some sort of arrhythmia is plausible through the use of HRMs.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2019.Phifer.N

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