Physical Trauma vs Emotional Trauma

Many of the early investigators in fatigue were shocked to find
that the pulse rates and blood pressures were extremely high a
short time after the subjects ceased strenuous work or play. Many
of these observations were made after about two minutes of rest,
and the records were compared with the rates and pressures estab-
lished as normal for the individuals. The differences often were
wide enough to lead to some critical interpretations concerning
the effects of strenuous exercise. Statistical studies connected with
this research work does not dispute the findings of these other
investigators, but there is no question that the methods and in-
terpretations were in error.

First, the pulse rate just preceding a contest is increased by emo-
tional disturbances and in the few minutes before a game is already
higher than during normal rest periods even though activity has
not yet taken place. Second, few of the investigators checked the
pulse immediately upon cessation of work. Had they done so,
and then repeated the check after two minutes, they would have
found, as did this investigator, that the rate slowed considerably
in even this short period. Also, it is in this first two minute interval
that those in best physical condition show the most rapid return
towards their normal rates. By disregarding the increases caused
by emotional strains, and by waiting for several minutes after work
had stopped it is obvious that wide variations from the normal
resting heart rates and blood pressures would be found. Use of
these differences to conclude that the activity was harmful is
erroneous as compared to method used here in which the compari-
sons are made at the start and immediately at the close of the
activity period.

Checks on the pulse rates of basketball players and coaches —
when a game is about to start show their hearts beating faster than
normal due to emotional disturbances. If, then, by two minutes
after the close of the effort the pulse rates have returned to the
same count as at the start it must be concluded that the activity
has put no strain on the vital organs that could be considered
harmful.

In connection with the topic of the effects of emotions upon
the pulse rate some results of personal and restricted observations
are worthy of comment. Pulse rates of both players and coaches

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