Objective: Resting heart rate (RHR) has been used for prognostic and therapeutic purposes when dealing with cardiovascular diseases and in determining the effect of anxiety on academic performance. This study explores the potential relationship between students’ RHR and their GPA.
Methods: With no studies done to show an association between resting heart rate and academic achievement, the average resting heart rate of 60 students, enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic degree program, was taken and correlated to their Grade Point Average (GPA).
Results: Resting heart rate and grade point average showed an inverse relationship for students with an RHR of 74 BPM or less. The regression coefficient for RHR was -0.03. This means that for every 1 beat decrease, a 0.03 increase in GPA is predicted, and for every 5 BPM decrease a 0.15 increase in GPA is predicted.
Conclusion: Future research could examine if lowering RHR in those with high RHR who also high GPAs would see their GPA maintained at the higher level. Further study with other groups of students is a reasonable next step.
Author keywords: Resting Heart Rate; Grade Point Average (GPA); Academic Performance
Author affiliations: AK: Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States; JH: Private practice of chiropractic, Greenville, South Carolina, United States; HK: Student, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States
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