Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6947900 | Applied Ergonomics | 2016 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously in 41 forest workers performing brushcutting or tree planting work. 10-min seated rest periods were imposed during the workday to estimate the HR thermal component (ÎHRT) per Vogt et al. (1970, 1973). VËO2 was measured using a portable gas analyzer during a morning submaximal step-test conducted at the work site, during a work bout over the course of the day (range: 9-74 min), and during an ensuing 10-min rest pause taken at the worksite. The VËO2 estimated, from measured HR and from corrected HR (thermal component removed), were compared to VËO2 measured during work and rest. Varied levels of HR thermal component (ÎHRTavg range: 0-38 bpm) originating from a wide range of ambient thermal conditions, thermal clothing insulation worn, and physical load exerted during work were observed. Using raw HR significantly overestimated measured work VËO2 by 30% on average (range: 1%-64%). 74% of VËO2 prediction error variance was explained by the HR thermal component. VËO2 estimated from corrected HR, was not statistically different from measured VËO2. Work VËO2 can be estimated accurately in the presence of thermal stress using Vogt et al.'s method, which can be implemented easily by the practitioner with inexpensive instruments.
Keywords
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Physical Sciences and Engineering
Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Authors
Philippe-Antoine Dubé, Daniel Imbeau, Denise Dubeau, Luc Lebel, Ahmet Kolus,