1

Anaerobic and aerobic fitness, measured through push ups, and heart rate before and after a
step up test.
Introduction
The human body relies on energy sources in order to function properly. This chemical energy, lies
within Adenosine triphosphate(ATP). When ATP is utilized, it is broken down into Adenosine
diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic Phosphorus. This process is called ATP hydrolysis, and is
responsible for allowing the body to perform the necessary functions in order to survive. Anytime
you need energy, whether it is to walk, run, sprint or simply get out of bed, ATP molecules are being
utilized (Eberle 2014). ATP is produced through bioenergetic systems, which are metabolic
processes responsible for the expenditure of energy. The two main systems capable of producing
ATP are the Aerobic (with oxygen) and Anaerobic(without oxygen) system.

Activities that require a moderate amount of effort such as long distance running rely on the aerobic
energy system in order to produce ATP. (J.M. Crielaard and F. Pirnard 1981). This is because
oxygen is able to meet the requirements the body needs to endure longer lasting exercise. However,
due to the innefficient rate at which ATP is produced through the aerobic system, this energy system
would not be ideal for higher intensity exercise. Therefore, if an individual were to undertake high
intensity exercises such as weight lifting or sprinting, another bioenergetic system called the
anaerobic energy system would be responsible for the production of ATP. The anaerobic energy
system is capable of producing ATP at a fast enough rate that satisfies the requirements for muscle
contractions (Medbo and Tabata 1993). However, a limitation of this energy system is that if an
individual were to continuously engage in high intensity training, the production of a byproduct
called lactic acid may form, which may lead to the development of lactic acidosis. (David, Vodak,
Wilmore, Vodak and Kurtz 1976).

It can therefore be deduced that the two energy systems differ from each other, and do not go hand
in hand. Because of this, an individuals fitness can be measured in two ways, anaerobically and
aerobically. This then presents the notion that someone who is aerobically fit could also be
anaerobically fit (HA). The H0 in this experiment was that someone who is anaerobically fit cannot
be aerobically fit.In the class experiment performed, the maximum amount of push-ups performed
by an individual(anaerobic environment) was tested against the pulse rate before and after a
moderate step-up test (aerobic environment). This allowed us to test whether or not there was a
significant difference in mean pulse rate between anaerobically fit and unfit individual.

Method
See school of Biological Science (2015)

Results
Graph 1 : Mean Change in pulse rate after a moderate step-up test, where individuals were divided

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Group data produced the results in Graph 1. The entire sample size included 137 different
individuals. The amount of individuals who did less than 25 push-ups was 49. The amount of
individuals who did more 25 or more push-ups was 88. Those who completed less than 25 pushups had a mean change in pulse rate of 58 BPM. The range of change in pulse rate across all
individuals in this group fell between 14-102. There was a standard deviation of 22 as shown by the
error bar in the graph. Those who completed 25 or more push-ups had a mean change in pulse rate
of 50 BPM. The range of change in pulse rate across the individuals in this group fell within 16-104
BPM. The standard deviation for this group was 21.

There was a significant difference in the mean change in pulse rate between subjects who did less
than 25 push ups and those who completed 25 or more push ups (t = 2.18, d.f. = 135, p < 0.05).

Discussion
Those who performed less than 25 push-ups were considered anaerobically unfit, where as those
who performed 25 or more push-ups were considered anaerobically fit. Measuring aerobic fitness
was done through the recording of the change in pulse rate after a step up test. After a moderate step
up test, the mean change in pulse rate for anaerobically fit individuals was lower than those
anaerobically unfit, suggesting that anaerobically fit individuals were more inclined to be
aerobically fit as well. This is advocated by the studies conducted by Volkov et. al. (1974), where
they were able to compare the aerobic and anaerobic capacities of four different individuals through
varying speeds on a treadmill. They found that individuals who could sprint for longer durations
could also run at a medium intensity for an extended period of time. This disproves the H0, putting
the HA in favour.

The t-test for individuals who performed less than 25 push-ups against those who performed 25 or
more shows the significant difference in the mean change in pulse rates (Appendix). The mean
change in heart rate for the anaerobically unfit group was 58 BPM. This was significantly higher
than the anaerobically fit individuals with a mean change of 50 BPM. This can be explained
through the study of Crielaard and Pirnay (1981), where increased heart rate meant more blood
needed to be pumped in order to transport oxygen to muscle. Therefore, because of Crierlaard and
Pirnays experiment, as well as the p value given from the t-test, the statement that there is a
significant difference in the mean change in pulse rate between the two groups in the class
experiment holds true (p<0.05).

There were limitations in the experiment, which may have affected the overall reliability and
accuracy of the results obtained. One of these limitations was the anaerobic exercise used to
determine if an individual was anaerobically fit. Push-ups are an anaerobic exercise, but if an
individual is unable to do them, this doesnt necessarily mean they are anaerobically unfit.
According to Topalidou et. al. (2012), the push-up is not only dependent on anaerobic fitness, but
also muscle mass, joint strength and weight. Therefore, people who are perhaps underweight or
overweight may be anaerobically fit yet incapable of performing push-ups due to one of the factors
mentioned. This may have led to test subjects performing the exercise incorrectly by doing halfreps or not keeping their back straight. To improve this limitation, a fitness expert could have
spectated the experiment, or another exercise couldve been chosen such as sprinting.

A crucial section of the results was the change in pulse rate before and after the step-up test. This is
where human error is most likely to occur as not everyone measures from the same place. Some
heart pulse testers failed to find a pulse because they were looking in the wrong place. This may be
because they have never checked for another persons pulse, or have little experience in doing so. If
this is the case, then the validity of the experiment would be in question as we are trying to test an
individuals aerobic capacity against their anaerobic. Parker (2004) states that a pulse oximeter could
be used to accurately measure pulse rate. However, due to the limited scientific equipment, a
compromise would be to have a demonstrator to teach the heart pulse testers where to looks and to
have them practice before the experiment is conducted.

In the experiment what was defined as being anaerobically fit was the ability to perform 25 or more
push-ups. As previously mentioned, just because an individual was not able to perform 25 push ups,
didnt mean they were anaerobically unfit. Vandewalle (2012) states that a better way to test for
ones anaerobic fitness would be through a lactic acid test, where the blood is examined to find the
lactic acid concentration in the body after high intensity exercise. However, the limited scientific
equipment provided as well as the invasive nature of a lactic acid test prevented us from doing so.

It is crucial to have a profound biological understanding of how the body works, not just at a
cellular level but holistically. There is no doubt that anaerobic and aerobic fitness are independent
of each other. However, through the class experiment and other supporting experiments, it can be
concluded that an individual who is anaerobically fit can also be aerobically fit.

References
Eberle S.G. (2014) Endurance Sports Nutrition 3rd Edition

Crielaard J.M., Pirnay F. (1981) Anaerobic and aerobic power of top athletes. 47:295-300

Medbo J.I., Tabata I. (1993) Anaerobic energy release in working muscle during 30 seconds to 3
minutes of exhausting cycling. 75:1654-1660

David J.A., Vodak P., Wilmore J.H., Vodak J. , Kurtz P. (1976) Anaerobic threshold and maximal
aerobic power for three modes of exercise. 41:544-550

Volkov N.I., Shirkovets E., Borilkevich V. (1974) Assessment of Aerobic and anaerobic capacity of
athletes in Treadmill Running Tests.

Vandewalle H., Peeres G., Monod H. (2012) Standard Anaerobic Exercise Tests. 4:268-289

Topalidou A, Dafopoulous G, Klepkou, Aggeligakis J, Berkis E, Sotiropoulos A. (2012) A

Biomedical evaulation of the push-up exercise of the upper extremities from various starting points.
Journal of Physical Education and Sport 12:71-80

Parker B (2004) Universal modular pulse oximeter probe for use with reusable and disposable
patient attachment devices.

School of Biological Sciences (2015) BIOL1003 , Lecture and Laboratory Notes. The University of
Sydney, Sydney

VanPutte C, Regan J, and Russo A. (2012) Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 8th Edition
McGraw-Hill Sydney.

Appendix