Basal Pulse-Rate With Lying Position, Squad B

Basal pulse-rates were also obtained for Squad B in the group respiration chamber in Boston, both for the normal period and during restriction in diet. They find subsequent use in a comparison of the positions of lying and standing on page 413. Although fewer in number than those of Squad A, they deserve presentation here, and are recorded in table 82. It will be seen that on two days the sub-jecte were with normal diet, although January 6 is characteristic of being the first observation after the Christmas recess. It may not be without significance that the average pulse-rate of this group showed an increase of 3 beats on the return of the men from the Christmas recess; it will be recalled that a pronounced increase was also found with Squad A under these conditions. Of special significance, however, are the values found on the three subsequent days with reduced diet. On January 14 all the men except Sne showed a reduction in pulse-rate from the basal values found on January 6, this reduction for the squad as a whole averaging 8 beats. On January 20 a further reduction was noted in all but two cases, Lon showing no change and Ham showing an increment of 2 beats per minute. The average decrease for the entire squad was 5 beats. On January 28 a still further reduction was noted. On the average it decreased from 43 to 40, although with 3 individuals the pulse-rate increased on this date. At the bottom of table 82 are given both the maximum and minimum values, together with the differences. The average difference between maximum and minimum is 18 beats, showing for this squad a maximum decrease in the pulse-rate of 18 beats. This is in full conformity with the picture presented by the extensive data with Squad A.

Table 82. - Basal Pulse-Rate1 - Squad B

[Subjects in lying position and without food].

1 Obtained in group respiration chamber before 6 a. m.

2 On Dec. 16 three substitutes, not regular members of Squad B, showed the following pulse-rates: Leo, 64; McD, 54; McM, 73. 3 On Jan. 6, McM had a pulse-rate of 63.