Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 40, Issue 2 206-210, Copyright © 1976 by American Physiological Society
Effects of hypoxia, heat, and humidity on physical performance
S. Lahiri, C. A. Weitz, J. S. Milledge and M. C. Fishman
The effects of hot, humid environment were compared with the effects of
high altitude on the physical performance capacity of Ne-palese residents
by measuring oxygen uptakes and heart rates at various work rates. The
following groups of men were selected: 66 residents of a hot and humid
environment in the Terai at sea level; 24 residents and 16 sojourners at
3,8000 m. The maximal oxygen uptake of the sea-level residents was, on the
average, 2.55 1.min-1, at which a maximal heart rate of about 200 beats/min
was reached. The sojourners at 3,800 m showed a higher maximal oxygen
uptake (2.94 1. min-1) at their maximal heart rate of about 175 beats/min.
The residents of 3,800 m achieved a similiar oxygen uptake as the
sojourners, but did not show a similar maximal heart rate limitation,
suggesting that they were capable of achieving a higher maximal oxygen
uptake. This study shows that hot, humid environment at sea level is as
much incapacitating as is hypoxia at high altitude.
