biodex Biostep 2 - Monitoring the Heart Rate; Using the Handgrips; Using a Polar Wireless Chest Strap; Determining the Target Heart Rate Using the Chart

5. Monitoring the Heart Rate
With the BioStep 2, clinicians can easily monitor a user's heart rate during exercising.
Whether the user uses the Support Handgrips with Contact Heart Rate Monitoring located
on either side of the seat (see Figure 1) or with their own provided Polar Telemetry Chest
Strap, the heart rate is trans mitted to the Display Panel and displays in real-time in the
upper window when the HEART RATE LED lights.
NOTE: If you do not think the user's heart rate is being captured accurately, have the
clinician take the user's pulse rate manually and compare the two rates.
Using the Handgrips
To use the Handgrips, have the user grasp the stainless steel portion with each hand and
hold on while exercising.
NOTE: If the user's heart rate does not display, have the user reposition both hands
on the Handgrips. Elderly users may need to use hand cream or water to improve signal
strength.
Using a Polar Wireless Chest Strap (not provided with the BioStep)
To use the wireless Chest Strap, follow the steps below.
1. Make sure the Polar Chest Strap Telemetry transmitter is compatible with the Polar
Receiver.
2. Dampen the Chest Strap with a conducting gel, sponge, or wet cloth to ensure
maximum conductivity.
3. Lift the user's shirt and secure the Chest Strap around the chest just below the breast
so that it is in direct contact with the user's skin.
4. Have the user begin exercising and check to be sure the heart rate is being
transmitted directly to the Display Panel.
NOTE: If the user's heart rate does not display, adjust the Chest Strap to improve
conductivity.
Determining the Target Heart Rate Using the Chart
Medical authorities have developed a chart of estimated target heart rate ranges based on
age for optimum cardiovascular benefit. The chart is designed for users with healthy
hearts. You can use this chart as a guide, but be sure to make concessions based on
individual needs.
Age Estimated Attainable Heart Rate
Maximal 85% Level 70% Level
20 200 170 140
25 195 166 136
30 190 162 133
35 185 157 129
40 180 153 126
45 175 149 122
50 170 145 119
55 165 140 115
60 160 136 112
65 155 132 108
MONITORING THE HEART RATE — 14 —