SUBJECT: Human physiology labs
DATE: 12/95

While on the topic of student labs, in our second quarter Freshman labs we
have students design, run and write an experiment of their own. Usualy a
simple exercise physiology protocol , where they test the effect of
exercise, ingestion of caffeine, sleep deprivation, etc on heart rate, blood
pressure, body temperature. However, the traffic in recycled papers has
become a real problem and this year we changed the experiment to one
involving stretch of leg adductor musclesand the golgi tendon organ reflex
circuit. We are looking for many new ideas to cycle through, so that each
time the course is offered, we can modify the experimental paradigm a bit.
Experiments are done outside lab time, so they cannot be equipment
constrained. (We have some sphygmomanometers to lend), Simple,
non-invasive, and conceptually easy enough that students can get some
information. Ideas?

dicapriol@mail.oucom.ohiou.edu
Laura DiCaprio
Biological Sciences
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701


I have found several easy out of class experiments that use simple heart
rate monitors that can be purchased for about $100 from Polar. (Any
exercise equipment store should carry them). Using the HR monitors
(which consists of an elastic band that fits around the chest and watch
that will display current heart rate as long as it is within 3 feet of
the chest band), students can look at heart rate responses to different
modes of exercise, i.e. treadmill, stepper, aerobics, weights, rowing
machines. In addition, HR can be plotted against work load to determine
calorie usage, to predict VO2 maximums, and to evaluate recovery time
periods from exercise. In addition, students can use the HR monitors to
evaluate students stress responses, to different kinds of tests
(puzzles, mathematical, games etc. ) , to
different types of music and varying tempo's. We let students
plan and design their own projects, no project can be a repeat of
any performed in the past. This puts some students under pressure
(particularly those that enjoy the comfort of the concrete lab exercise),
put with enough encouragement they too discover the joy in thinking. I
let them know that this is an opportunity to let me know how and what
they think, rather than me requiring them to respond in a "textbook"
manner. I find that two of these HR monitors is just about the best
piece of equipment that one could purchase. They are relatively
inexpensive, portable, accurate and very durable. If you need more
information, please email.

Terry Favero, Biology
University of Portland
Portland Oregon, 97203.


In response to DiCaprio post about student generated labs with a physiology
bent.

Assume a student establishes the following plausible protocol.
1. Have a student (or group of students) urinate and mark that as time zero.
2. At 30 minute intervals have the student (s) drink 500 ml of water for
five cycles beginning at time zero.
3. Measure the urine output and time for a four hour period from time zero.
4. No food or other liquids during the test period. Maintain normal
activities level but not moderate to heavy exercise.
5. The next day repeat experiment but substitute caffeine cola drink instead
of water.
6. Compare results and explain results.

This could be a student protocol.

Question: Should this protocol be screened by the campus human experimentation
committee? Should each student sign a medical release statement?

How would various members of the BioLab list handle such a protocol?

Another protocol: Establish the distribution of heighth of campus students and
relate to say daily calorie intake (or economic level or whatever). Measure
the height of a group of students and ask questions about food intake. Draw
conclusions. Does this protocol have to be screened by the Human
experimentation committee? Comments.

Blystone in Texas

**********************
ROBERT V. BLYSTONE PHONE:(210)736-7243
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY FAX:(210)736-7229
Trinity University E-Mail:RBlyston@Trinity.edu
715 Stadium Drive
San Antonio, TX, 78212


Hi everyone,
There are several sources of "fake" urine, that will give fairly
nice clinicla results. Wards is a source that I can think of, off the top
of my head... We also have come up with our own recipes to make "fake"
urine. We give the students the samples and they then diagnose the
patients. We are able to do both diabetes, starvation, diarrhea, and an
okay urinary track infection (this is acommplished with the help of
prepared slides.) They test these against a normal. Its a nice way to get
arrund using a human source.

Kirsten Mahovlich
Lab tech
University of Toledo
kmahovl@uoft02.utoledo.edu

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