Energy expenditure cutting supercane.
VO2 VE, and heart rates (fH) were measured in 61 Colombian sugarcane cutters while harvesting cane in the AM and PM and in the laboratory during a VO2max test. Productivity and sweat rates were also measured in the field. The subjects had an estimated dietary intake of 2,970 kcal/day, which was lower than calculated daily energy expenditure. During the work measurements the VO2 was 1.5 1/min, VE 48 1/min, and fH 135 beats/min; there were no differences between AM and PM values. The subjects sustained about 35% of VO2max during the 8 h workday, but worked at 57% of VO2max during the tests. Measured energy cost was 7.4 +/- 1.5 kcal/min during the workday. Sweat rates were higher PM than AM (5 KG/8 h day). Grouping of the men according to productivity demonstrated that taller, heavier men were better producers and had lower calculated heart rates at VO2 1.51/min. Efficiency of cane cutting was higher (9%) PM.
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003105:Colombia; D004526:Efficiency / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012119:Respiration; D013546:Sweating; D014937:Work