IB SEHS Formulas You Must Know and When to Use Them

RevisionDojo
5 min read

🏃‍♀️ 1. Why SEHS Formulas Matter

Many key questions in IB SEHS—especially around biomechanics, physiology, and energy systems—require accurate formula use. RevisionDojo’s SEHS notes include all major equations and examples so that you can apply them confidently in scenario‑based questions and your IA.
(Source: SEHS course notes including Anatomy, Biomechanics, Measurement modules) (revisiondojo.com)

🧠 2. Core Areas & Formulas You Must Learn

A. Measurement & Evaluation of Human Performance

  • **Calculation of heart rate:**
    HRavg=Total heart beatsTime (min)\text{HR}_{\text{avg}} = \frac{\text{Total\,heart\,beats}}{\text{Time\,(min)}}
    Used in assessing cardiovascular response to exercise, especially in IA tests.
    (RevisionDojo notes: Measurement & Evaluation module) (revisiondojo.com)
  • VO₂ max estimation:
    Usually indirect via field protocols. Understand conversion factors in lab-based VO₂ assess.

B. Biomechanics (Movement & Forces)

  • **Mechanical advantage (MA):**
    MA=Load armEffort arm\text{MA} = \frac{\text{Load\,arm}}{\text{Effort\,arm}}
    Crucial for analyzing levers in motion units (e.g., biceps curl or knee extension).
    (From biomechanics notes in SEHS resources) (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
  • **Work and Power:**
    Work=Force×Distance\text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance}
    Power=WorkTime\text{Power} = \frac{\text{Work}}{\text{Time}}
    Use these to calculate energy output and rate of work in activities like sprinting or resistance training.

C. Exercise Physiology

  • Energy Expenditure:
    Conversions using VO₂ data or known metabolic equivalents (METs).
    For example:
    Energy(kJ)=VO₂ (L\cdotpmin⁻¹)×kcal per L O₂×4.184\text{Energy} (\mathrm{kJ}) = \text{VO₂ (L·min⁻¹)} \times \text{kcal per L O₂} \times 4.184
  • Hydration & Body Composition measurements:
    Formulas for body fat percentage via skinfold sums and equations or BMI calculations using mass/height². (See Hydration, Nutrition, Measurement sections) (revisiondojo.com)

📊 3. When and How to Use These Formulas

  • In IA Experiments:
    Use biomechanics formulas (mechanical advantage, work, power) to analyze real data from movement tasks—common approach in sports science IAs.
  • In Data-Based Exam Questions:
    Questions may provide raw values—you'll derive average heart rates, energy expenditure, or power outputs using formulas from measurement & physiology sections.
  • In Evaluation Tasks:
    Comparing results across trials or conditions; explaining changes via formula-based calculations shows strong command of content and methodology.

RevisionDojo’s SEHS notes include worked examples to guide step-by-step application of these equations. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)

✅ 4. Practice Strategy: Get It Right Every Time

  1. Review RevisionDojo’s SEHS module notes that list each formula and a practical use example. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
  2. Use flashcards (via Jojo AI) to memorize each formula and when it’s applied.
  3. Do past-paper-style questions focusing on calculation-based tasks from Measurement & Evaluation and Biomechanics.
  4. Use spaced repetition to reinforce retention of formula structure, units, and context.

📋 Summary Table: Key SEHS Formulas & Use Cases

Formula Use Case When to Apply HRₐᵥg = beats ÷ time Assess cardiovascular response IA data & exercise physiology questions VO₂ max conversion formula Estimate energy expenditure Physiology analysis tasks MA = load arm ÷ effort arm Analyze biomechanical lever performance Biomechanics IA or exam scenario Work = Force × Distance Calculate mechanical work done Sprint, jumping, or resistance movements Power = Work ÷ Time Measurement of performance rate Power output comparisons across trials BMI or skinfold-based body fat % Body composition and health evaluation Measurement IA and evaluation questions

🧭 Final Thoughts

Understanding and correctly applying SEHS formulas is key to success in both IA and exam formats. RevisionDojo's SEHS notes provide structured formula lists, examples, and contextual explanations to help you perform confidently. When you know why to use each equation and how to apply it, your analysis becomes precise and powerful.

📣 Call to Action

Level up your SEHS performance with RevisionDojo:

  • Access updated IB SEHS notes covering Anatomy, Hydration & Nutrition, Biomechanics, and Analysis. (revisiondojo.com, Reddit, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
  • Convert formulas and key concepts into flashcards using Jojo AI.
  • Practice calculation questions using real-world prompts in the SEHS question bank.

Start mastering SEHS calculations and see your practical work and exam scores improve—today!

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