Capacity to performance physical work under hypothermal conditions

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to quantify, in twelve volunteers from the rescue Task Force of the Military Police of the State of Santa Catarina, the physical work performance on an ergometric bicycle (at a rising working load of 50, 100 and 150 watt) under neutral (28 degrees) and subnormal (20 degress) environmental temperature conditions, with a widening scanning of skin temperature (seven peripheral sensors), central temperature (pilot sensor) and environmental temperature (reference sensor). The maximal VO2 was calculated through Astrand’s monogram (1960), using FUNBEC’S magnetic braking cycloergometer. The percentage of maximal VO2 put in circulation at each load was calculated by Katch’s equation (1978), using FC’s circulation percentage. The data were measured a MICROSTAT software, using the "t" student monotail statistics device. A significant variation (Physical<0,05) in resting temperature between the two condictions (%= - 0,52) was observed. Taking into account estimated standard value (3 watt/kg), the PWC 170 showed a significant mean deviation (%= - 14,29). The superposition of the thermal points showed a marked state of balance in FC at the final minutes of each biological performance, confirming the hypothesis of an immediate adjustment of the cardio-respiratory and metabolic systems to attend the request for tissue oxygen and nutriments. In further studies, through, it may be desirable to use the lower band of that the impact of subnormal temperature condition may produce greater alterations to central temperature.