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Using the Karvonen Heart Rate Formula

Bini Litwin, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA

October 9, 2013

Question

Under what circumstrances would you use the Karvonen Heart Rate Formula?

Answer

I would not use the Karvonen with an elderly patient or a patient with pathology.  I would, however, use Karvonen on a fairly stable patient without any cardiovascular issues.  If I had a 40, 50, or even 60-year-old that is in fairly good condition and has been doing some type of exercise, I might use the Karvonen with them. The age-adjusted formula, I would use that with the even younger patient, someone less than 40.  


bini litwin

Bini Litwin, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA

Dr. Litwin PT DPT PhD MBA has been a physical therapist for over 35 years, having worked in various clinical settings throughout her professional career. She has been on faculty at Nova Southeastern University in Ft Lauderdale, Fl for the past 14 years, where she is Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department.  Her teaching responsibilities include Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT, Applied Clinical Decision Making and Critical Inquiry. She has numerous peer reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

 




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