Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 39, Issue 6 990-996, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Energy expenditure cutting supercane
G. B. Spurr, M. Barac-nieto and M. G. Maksud
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.
