(exercise physiology unit) - Lab Report Example

Laboratory Report (Exercise Physiology Unit) Our body is made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate and various vitamins and minerals. If we have too much fat we are at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. That amplifies our risk for heart disease and stroke. (American Heart Association, 2008) Body composition tests help us scrutinize and analyze if our body compositions, especially body fats, are at normal and healthy levels. A test such as the blood lactate measurement is used by sport scientists, coaches and athletes to accurately determine Heart Rate training zones, recovery and much more.

  Lactate is a metabolic product that can be measured by taking a drop of blood at a finger tip the same way diabetics monitor their blood sugar level.  The blood lactate level increases with exercise intensity and shows clearly the transition from aerobic to anaerobic activity.  Since the measurement is completely individual it gives a precise method for testing and monitoring training intensity and recovery.  (FaCT Canada Consulting Ltd, n.d.)Two body fat tests were performed on a 22-year old male named Dave.

Firstly, skinfold measurement was done. In this case two methods were employed namely, Jackson and Pollack Method (1978) and Durnin and Wormersely Method (1974). Secondly, Dave underwent a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The table below shows the data gathered from the two body composition tests. Jackson and Pollack Method (1978)Durnin and Wormersely Method (1974)       SubjectAbdomen (mm)PectoralMid-thighTotalBicepTricepSubscapulaSuprailiacTotalDave8.84.28.821.82.4611.48.828.6 Using the formula to calculate the percent body fat for Jackson and Pollack Method and using the table provided for Durnin and Wormersely Method the percent body fats are 5.6 and ~12.9 respectively.

The percent body fat calculated showed a discrepancy thus using skinfold method measurements is not a valid predictor of percent body fat; however they can be used as a monitoring device to indicate changes in body composition over time. According to Health Check Systems (2008), The American Council on Exercise has categorized ranges of body fat percentages as follows:DescriptionWomenMenEssential fat12–15%2–5%Athletes16–20%6–13%Fitness21–24%14–17%Acceptable25–31%18–25%Obese32%+25%+ Dave’s Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) provided a percent body fat of 16%.

According to the table above Dave fall under the description of ‘Fitness’ thus we can say that his percent body fat is appropriate and acceptable for his age. The table above shows a part of the blood lactate test results of Dave. We can observe the significant increase of heat rate as the time of exercise progressed. Blood lactate concentration, and changes in it, result from the balance between adding lactic acid to the blood, and the clearance of lactate from the blood by muscle and the heart for metabolic purposes.

At rest and low exercise intensities, lactic acid’s rate of removal matches its rate of formation, resulting in a stable blood lactate concentration. At higher workloads, the muscle produces a greater proportion of energy anaerobically; therefore more lactic acid is produced. This leads to an accumulation of lactate in the blood. It has been shown that the greater the exercise intensity an individual can reach before there is an accumulation of lactate in the blood, the better their endurance performance.

(Understanding Blood Lactate, 2008)Reference:1. Body Compositions Tests. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4489. Retrieved on October 22, 2008. 2. Blood Lactate Test. http://www.fact-canada.com/LactatePro/lactate-pro-portable-analyzer.html. Retrieved on October 22, 2008. 3. Understanding Body Fat Percentage. http://www.healthchecksystems.com/bodyfat.htm. Retrieved on October 22, 2008. 4. Understanding Blood Lactate. http://www.nctc.ul.ie/files/understanding_lactic_acid.pdf .

Retrieved on October 22, 2008.