EFFECTIVENESS OF A PULSE PLOT METHOD FOR ANALYZING THE
PROGRESS OF COMPETITIVE SWIMMER

G. Andy Arinstrong
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan  49783

Abstract.  As coaching techniques become more sophisticated and
specific so are the measurements and testing equipment to assess
the level of condition of athletes.  Using blood samples to
measure latic acid levels has been a favorite in the sport of
swimming, but due to the complications that arise from doing this
coaches are looking for different methods of measuring an
athlete's condition.  Heart rate response to exercise has long
been accepted as the best and most easily obtained physiological
guide to cardiovascular condition.  Twenty four members of the
Sault Competitive Aquatics Team participated in a study of the
Pulse Plot profile.  Once a month in October to December,
swimmers were tested using a series of eight-one hundred meter
swims.  The eight swims ranged in intensity starting at 65%
effort for the first swim followed by 75%, 85%, 100%, 100%, 85%,
75%, and 65% for the remaining swims.  Each swim was timed and a
velocity was calculated.  Three pulses were taken for each swim,
one immediately after the swim, the second pulse thirty seconds
after finishing the swim, and the third one minute after
finishing the swim.  The data is then plotted by the sum-total
heart rate (sum of the three heart rate counts) versus the
velocity.  Linear regression is then applied and the slope of the
line used as a reference for successive tests.  As the swimmer
becomes better conditioned the slope of the line should decrease.
A significant degree of variability was displayed when linear
regression was applied.  High variability likely resulted from
noncontrollable factors such as diet, emotional state, amount of
rest, and daily activity contributed to the ineffectiveness of
this program.

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Colwin, Cecil. 1992.  Swimming into the 21st century.  Human
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Salo, D. 1987.  The Pulse Plot Alternative.  Swimming World and
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Counsilman, J.  The Science of Swimming.  Prentice-Hall, Inc.
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