Abstract
The research focuses on the physiological response of the organism to the external stimulus in the form of an aquatic environment. The main aim of the research was to determine whether the body submersion under water will have a significant impact on changes in resting heart rate compared to heart rate measured in the same position on the land.
This is a quantitative study conducted by comparing the values of heart on the land and in the water of 30 athletes with experiences from water sports and swimming (age 23.7 +- 1.8 years). Heart rate was measured for five minutes in static position on the back (water = 26 cm, water temperature 30.4 +- 0.2° C, air temperature 23.4 +- 0.4° C).
Parametric unpaired Student t-test have been used for calculation of statistical significance have (p = .05). Threshold for estimation of practical significance of heart rate variance have been established at +-3 beats per minute.
Results of parametric unpaired Student t-test did not indicate statistically significant differnce of resting heart rate in the water and on the land (p = .080-.925). Heart rate decreased at least 3 beats per minute in ten people, increased at least 3 beats per minute in seven people, or stayed in range of +-3 beats per minute in 13 people.