Abstract

The effects of hot, humid environment were compared with the effects of high altitude on the physical performance capacity of Nepalese 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, 800 m. The maximal oxygen uptake of the sea-level residents was, on the average, 2,55 1 min -1, 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 maximalheart rate of about 175 beats/min. The residents of 3,800 m achieved a similar 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 muchincapacitating as is hypoxia at high altitude. Verf.-Referat