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Evaluating the Effect of Simulated Altitude on the Metabolic Cost of Performing an Equivalent Task

This project is part of a series of studies investigating modifications of existing methods for monitoring the potential for heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion arises from a combination of measurable variables in the human body. The primary contributing factors to heat exhaustion include core temperature, high energy consumption with improper caloric intake, and dehydration. Despite close monitoring and replenishment of hydration and energy levels, some individuals still succumb to heat exhaustion (Cuddy & Ruby, 2011). One population exposed to significant risk factors of heat exhaustion are wildland fire fighters (WLFFs). WLFFs work at an average rate of 229 + 56 kcal/hour over the course of a typical 12-16 hour work day (Ruby et al., 2002). Often, this high energy expenditure combined with envronmental hazards including difficult terrain at high elevation and ambient heat contribute to overall risk of heat exhaustion among this population. Despite the many models developed to prevent heat exhaustion, none account for this unique combination of risk factors to which WLFFs are often exposed. This study was conducted to evaluate how to modify existing administrative guidelines by incorporating the effect of altitude on metabolic expenditure to better model potential for heat exhaution in this population. Weight loss is widely observed in humans moving to higher altitude, this is hypothesized to be the result of a combination of factors rather than simply an elevated basal metabolic rate (BMR) (Lippl et al., 2010). Kong et. al (Kong, Zang, & Hu, 2014) investigated the effect of hypoxia training on weight loss by administering an identical exercise and caloric intake regimen to two separate participant groups. One exercised in a normobaric hypoxic environment while the other exercised in a normoxic environment. The hypoxia group was found to have a significantly greater amount of weightloss when compared to the normoxia group. The factors contributing to weight loss include reduced food and liquid intake due to loss of appetite. Our understanding of how altitudue effects appetite is limited, but necessary to plan a more appropriate balance of food and liquid intake for WLFFs. We hypothesized that metabolic cost while working at altitude negatively influences worker health and safety and a greater understanding of how altitude effects energy expenditure can be used to modify existing administrative guidelines to protect workers from heat exhaustion.