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Cardiac frequency throughout a working shift in coal miners
M A Montoliu1, V Gonzalez, L Palenciano
1Ergonomy Unit, Instituto Nacional de Silicosis, Spain.
Ergonomics
|June 1, 1995
Summary
This study measured cardiac frequency (heart rate) in 73 coal miners to assess physical exertion in poorly mechanized mines. Results show significant individual variation in heart rate, making it largely unpredictable despite some weak correlations with age and fitness.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sports Science
- Mining Engineering
Background:
- Coal mining remains physically demanding despite mechanization.
- Assessing physical exertion is crucial for worker health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the physical effort required for coal mining in poorly mechanized environments.
- To analyze cardiac frequency (fc) during a working shift in Asturian miners.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac frequency (fc) was monitored using a Sport-Tester PE3000 in 73 underground coal miners.
- Miners were divided into two groups: coal face workers and other underground workers.
- Data on age, VO2 max, and body weight were collected for correlation analysis.
Main Results:
- Mean heart rates were 106.5 +/- 18.2 beats/min for coal face workers and 103.1 +/- 17.7 beats/min for others (p < 0.05).
- Average working shift heart rate was not significantly related to age or VO2 max.
- Average working shift heart rate as a percentage of maximum heart rate showed weak correlations with age and VO2 max.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a distribution of cardiac frequency values for miners in poorly mechanized mines.
- Individual working-shift cardiac frequency varies considerably and is largely unpredictable.
- Understanding these physiological responses is key for occupational health management in mining.