Applications

• Investigate the effects of relaxation and exercise on heart rate
• Study the dive response and stimulus response reflexes
• Compare EKG traces between students at rest and students with their hands in ice water
• Perform in-depth reflex studies with the Wireless Force and Acceleration Sensor.

How It Works

With each heart beat, the pacemaker of the heart (called the SA node) conducts electricity. The electrical current travels from the SA node in the right upper chamber of the heart down to the lower chambers, the ventricles, of the heart. The electrical activity always preceded each contraction. Electrodes placed throughout the body record the signal generated from the heart.
An EKG, also called electrocardiogram or ECG, is a reading of the electrical signal generated from the heart. The EKG shows whether the heart’s rhythm and electrical conduction is normal.
Other muscles in the body are also driven by electric signal when tensed. One can use the EKG to look for stimulus and reflex timing as when striking the Achilles or patellar tendons.