Physiological changes in cycle rickshaw pullers after strenuous exercise

Abstract

Background: Cycle Rickshaw is a human-powered transportation device. A large number of people remain engaged in the occupation of pulling cycle rickshaw.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess nutritional status of the cycle rickshaw pullers and their workload by working heart rate and energy expenditure.

Methods and Materials: Eighteen rickshaw pullers and eleven control subjects were selected after clinical examination. Subjects were asked to pull the rickshaw in two phases - phase 1 (before lunch) and phase 2 (after lunch) each of 3 cycles of 15 min duration each followed by 15 min rest with two passengers. Heart rate was recorded continuously using a heart rate monitor. Average working heart rate (AWHR), peak working heart rate (PWHR) and energy expenditure (EE) were calculated. Maximal heart rate (HR_max) was also recorded in the laboratory. The control subjects were allowed to work in a cycle ergometer in the laboratory.

Results: There was no significant difference between the mean values of rickshaw pullers and those of control subjects in relation to age, BMI, fat% and HR_max (beats/min). The AWHR, PWHR and EE values of rickshaw pullers showed the workload as ‘heavy’ to ‘very heavy’ category.

Conclusion: The result of the study will be beneficial for cycle rickshaw pullers, health administrators and manufacturers of cycle rickshaw.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6567

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 23-26