Physiological significance of the slope of the regression equation between oxygen consumption and heart rate in exercise testing

The relationship between oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) was studied in 62 male children. Based on clinical evaluation and history, they were divided into three groups, i.e., athlete, ordinary and failed. There was a high linear correlation between HR and VO2 in each individual. The averaged values of the slope and standard deviations were 2.09 +/- 0.189 in the athlete group (n = 17), 2.60 +/- 0.140 in the ordinary group (n = 16) and 3.17 +/- 0.591 in the failed group (n = 29). The statistical differences were confirmed among the groups (p less than 0.005). The results suggested that the slope of the HR vs. VO2 relation was related to an inotropic state of cardiac function. We concluded that the slope was a more suitable and more direct evaluation of cardiac function during exercise. Moreover, the method was non-invasive and safe because it required no potentially hazardous maximum work load for the patients.