The Measurement and Prediction of Maximum Heart Rate

Heart rate (HR) is arguably one of the most often measured physiological responses in relation to physical fitness or health. HR measured at rest, during submaximal exercise, at maximal exercise and during recovery can provide some level of assessment of fitness and health. In the past, HR was most often measured from manual palpitation of a pulse (palpation), using a stethoscope (auscultation) or an electrocardiograph. The latter measurement device is thought to be the gold standard for heart rate measurement. Today HR is likely to be measured using a myriad of HR monitors available to anyone. HR is also commonly used to prescribe aerobic endurance intensity. In this respect, HR training intensities are selected based on actual measured HR responses or predicted HR responses from a variety of formulas, many of which use a calculated maximum HR (predicted HRmax). Obviously, there is much variability and error associated with predicted HRmax values and actual measured HRmax is most valid. However, the measurement of actual HRmax requires an individual to be able to sustain a maximum exercise to elicit such a response that is not also possible or safe. Finally, heart rate responds very well to aerobic endurance training. For example, resting and submaximal heart is reduced and maximum heart rate is either unchanged or only slightly reduced.