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the two boys who were rather highly strung, R. B. (68), and F. E. (64). In thesecases,
too, the breathing was laboured and their pulse-rates were relatively high at
the end of two minutes following the race. High variability in pulse rate is almost
always (apart from diseased states) indicative of lack of nervous control and is
found in those most easily fatigued. Dr. Jas. Kerr states "For practical purposes,
physique as determined by efficiency is nervous capacity to maintain respiration
and circulation normally." Although these children did not show up so well as the
other better conditioned children, yet their reactions were well within the range
of normality, since the pulse-rate following exertion may show a rise of 100 beats per
minute and in the untrained may not return to the normal rate for half-an-hour
or more.
The irregularity in cardiac rhythm following the events was of a type commonly
seen in ordinary children. It varied in rate with the respiration, the rate quickening
in inspiration and slowing during expiration and was equally present in girls and boys
and appeared to vary also with the pulse rate, the higher the rate the greater the
arrhythmia. In M. G. (1) (girl) the irregularity noted appeared to be due to extra
systoles, but this was not noticeable two minutes later, and did not seem to be of
any moment. The systolic bruit heard in L. H. (girl) after her race may have been
due to physiological dilatation though no proof of this was found since the area of
cardiac dullness was not mapped out.
The longer length of some of the races did not apparently make much difference
in the respiratory and circulatory reactions. If anything, the boys swimming the
longest distances showed up best; either the mere adding of distance within the
limits seen did not call for greater response, or the boys taking part in such contests
were more fit, or perhaps more accustomed to swim such distances.
Experience and training certainly lighten the burden. The girl E. B. stated
she had been specially trained by an expert. She certainly had the decided advantage
of a good physique and was in excellent general condition, quiet, confident and
unruffled by excitement. When seen, she was taking part in her third race; she
won all these and took part in a fourth, a team race. Her movements were slow,
methodical and rhythmic, with an overhead movement of the arms and a "crawl"
action of the legs and feet, the rolling action of which was similar in effect to the
method of propulsion in sculling a boat with one oar over the stern. Her actions
seemed automatic in their rhythm, the maximum effect was obtained without waste
of energy, either nervous or physical. On the conclusion of the race she was the
least distressed of all the competitors examined, and her pulse returned to the normal
within two minutes. The times taken by the boys and girls in the finals were kindly
supplied by Mr. A. B. Woodbury.
Best time. Worst time.
Novices (Boys over 13) 30 secs. 33 2/5 sees. 1 length.
(Girls over 13) 36 2/5 „ 43 2/5 „
Scratch (Boys under 12) 25 „ 34 4/5 „ „
(Girls under 12) 35 „ 43 „ „
Scratch (Boys 12—13) 24 3/5 „ 28 1/5 „
(Girls 12—13) 31 4/5 „ 37 1/5 „
Scratch (Boys 13—14) 54 4/5 „ 66 4/5 „ 2 lengths.
(Girls 13—14) 71 1/5 „ 92
It will be seen that the time taken by the best boy is better than the time taken
by the best girl in each race over the same distance. The better muscular development
and stronger frame, coupled with perhaps a temperamental advantage and the
traditional habit of greater indulgence in games enables boys to make a better performance
than girls of the same age.
Conclusion.—Adolescent girls are mentally and physically rather more unstable
than boys of the same age. This inequality has lessened within recent years (largely
due to their greater indulgence in games). Instability of much degree, unless that