ERIC Number: EJ868549
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Nov
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
Pulse Oximetry as a Medical Physics Practical on School Trips
Gibson, Adam P.; Chandra, Elizabeth; Chandra, Manik
Physics Education, v44 n6 p577-581 Nov 2009
We have measured blood oxygenation levels in a group of 14 people (8 young people and 6 adults) on a physically demanding expedition to Mt Kenya. Blood oxygenation was measured at 11 different altitudes between 1910 and 4985 m using pulse oximetry. We found that pulse oximetry was suitable for use on a youth expedition and we were able to show that blood oxygenation levels reduced by 6% per 1000 m of ascent. We propose that pulse oximetry could provide a challenging and exciting project as part of a school skiing trip. Such a project could include aspects of physics, physiology, experimental design and statistical analysis in an engaging and stimulating format. (Contains 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Field Trips, Physics, Exercise Physiology, Foreign Countries, Statistical Analysis, Youth, Science Instruction, Measurement Techniques, Student Projects, Teaching Methods, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Africa; United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A