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    Harper Adams finds a way to relax

    Posted 7 April 2006

    Sally Bishop of Harper Adams having her pulse taken by Naomi Smith

    A STUDENT at Harper Adams University College has found the answer to reducing the heart rate - holding small animals.

    As part of her final-year dissertation, Naomi Smith is analysing the cost and benefit of keeping a variety of pets.

    And as part of the project, 22-year-old Naomi tested the effect holding a small animal had on the heart-rate on 40 volunteers.

    Naomi measured the pulse of volunteers before they held a rabbit or guinea pig for 15 minutes and then measured their heart rate again afterwards.

    Naomi, who is studying a BSc in Animal Management, Health and Welfare, said: “I was extremely pleased with how many people attended and had their heart-rate measured.

    “I want to say a thank you to all those who gave up their time and took part in the experiment at the Companion Animal House. Much of the data collected showed that people’s heart-rate reduced after they had held the animals and were much more relaxed.”

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