The Ability of Human Beings to Adjust to Behavioral Changes and Metabolism - Research Paper Example

 Abstract The main objectives in this paper are to determine the required physiological strain set on the mountain climbers under the thermal stress on an extended shift. To measure the deep body temperatures, fluid intake, changes in hydration state, heart rate and the physical fatigue. This is done to establish an acceptable level of the physiological strain. There was a series of studies that was conducted on some group of climbers and volunteering students who were working in a thermally stressful environment. The mountain represented a vast area of experiencing the three climatic sets. Later, body temperatures, heart rate, physical fatigue and fluid consumption were measured then recorded. There was the initial and original methodology developed to allow heart stress index assessed comparatively with the other index. Later, a new rational index of the stress was developed basing on the existing biophysical relationship. In the results, the comparison of the heat stress indices which confirmed a wide divergence in the guidance that was provided by several accepted indices as compared to the acceptable working environment. There was development of new rational for heat called the thermal work limit. From the results, heat stress did not record any increment same to the heart rate, hydration changes, and body temperatures. According to Hovarth & Golden (1946), there was a severe environmental condition as compared to the expected conditions. In the study, fatigue registered a significant increase during the first half in the working shift. Introduction Human beings have been known as adaptive animals as they can survive in extreme conditions. Man accomplishes these adaptations by showing some behavioral and metabolic changes. Hostile environments have permanently affected the ability of human beings to adjust to behavioral changes and metabolism. Therefore, man is capable of functioning well even in extreme conditions. Man has some limitations when it comes to body temperatures. Human beings try to adapt to the prevailing temperatures. Thus, one has to develop defense mechanisms like sweating and shivering to maintain homeothermy. Loss of body temperatures can lead to impairment of physiological functions and loss of consciousness. The signs are similar when the body temperature is either high (hyperthermia) or too low (hypothermia) (Rajender, 2008). Therefore, one can maintain the hydration status if body temperature is to the extreme. The normal hydration is actually achieved by a wide range of intake of water of the active people in lifespan. The regulation of body water is very difficult to maintain especially when a strenuous challenge is caused through physical fitness and the heat stress. The mountain climbers are challenged by issues of hydration. These people may perform an intense physical labor especially a warm–hot environment. This can induce a dehydration process on a daily basis. Hydration at work place is more important as it affect our productivity, the cost and the safety. There are several standard deviation figures used in this research but each depends on the subject being analyzed. Method Three climbers were chosen and measurement of their body weight, temperature, height, the maximum volume and the minimum volumes were also recorded. These results were tabulated with both sexes. Two methods were used to measure the energy expenditure. According to Mudambo et al (1997, 350), the first one was called the Double Labeled Water (DLW) while the second method was the Energy-Balance Method. In this second method, the dietary energy was analyzed with the several changes in the body store. In this method of analysis, two groups of participants were used. One of the groups was the three climbers who acted as the subjects in the research. On the other hand the control group involved three students who were studied under the normal climatic conditions. The control group involved one woman and two men. The two groups of participants were subjected to similar conditions. Females Male Sample size 5.5 ft 5.8 ft Mass (kg) 64 kg 75.2kg Daily energy expenditure 18 (0.6) MJ /day 26 (0.4) MJ/day Water volume consumed 2.7 litres/day 3.4 litres/day Later, the measures were taken and recorded differently between the field group and the control group. These measures also showed the differences in the sex among the participants. The recordings were later analyzed basing on different weather conditions. Procedure During this exercise, the masses of the participants were measured. The masses among the men were differentiated from that of women. After measuring the masses, the height of participants was recorded. The measurements of the control group were, measured differently from the field group. In these research intake-balance methods was used. The total energy is first estimated from intake of food and other body changes. The methods required a long period of time for evaluation and determining the accurate intake of energy and the changes in the body energy store. On the other hand, the classic way was also used to measure the estimate energy expenditure. All the physical activities were recorded which include mountain climbing. Secondly, the total energy cost is calculated using relevant published literature values in its own specific way. Later, the maximal energy uptake was measured the temperature was also measured in the three different climatic conditions. In addition, the control group were also measured the body temperatures after similar time intervals. Another measure was the group that dehydrated and that which did not dehydrate with the main aim of analyzing the importance of water. Results The energy requirements in this research ranged from as low as 9.8 MJ/Day for the female climbers and up to a high of 29.8NJ/Day for the males. The total energy for all the male climbers was (N=2) average 19.3 ± 2.7 MJ/day. The research was carried out in 14 days. These values are 38% greater than the values registered by female counterparts. From the various researches conducted, the total expenditure of all women in this study was (N=2; 11.9±2.6 MJ/7days). The comparison of the climbers and the control group should be accounted for on the basis that the climbers are individuals who undertake several duration activities and goes through different climatic changes (Valencia et al, 1992). The environmental heat stress actually did not affect the climbers’ energy. The control group registered a 17.2 MJ/ day while the climbers registered 17.8MJ/day. This was because mountain climbing was carried out in the day when the daily temperature was 20.6 degrees Celsius. There were a total of 6 sets of the core temperature data which was outlined in the target group. The average over the data sets that was acquired to find out the core temperatures on the individuals was recorded. Part 1 (n.d) asserts that a standard deviation of 0.50 ºC and a range between 37.7-39.5 ºC before going for to the mountain. As they started to climb the mountain, a standard deviation of 0.31 ºC was recorded. This followed a range of 37.8-38.8 ºC. Thus, this does not cause a big difference and is not significant, that is (P=0.26). Furthermore, there was no difference between the three climatic zones across the mountain. Discussion Water is a very vital chemical component in human blood. It represents about 50%-70% of the whole body weight. The variation in water content in the body is accounted by body composition whereby the lean bodies comprise ~73% of the water while the fat bodies weight comprises ~10% of water. Thus, the obese individuals having similar body weight like the lean counter parts will have a smaller water body volume. In approximate, about 5-10% of the water in the body is converted daily through exercises which are wasted through the fluid avenues. The respiratory loss of water is influenced by pulmonary ventilation and is inspired by air. The respiratory loss of water is offset by metabolic water which is formed as a result of oxidation of substrates. For the climbers, the ambient temperatures are high. In our laboratories, the exercise time to fatigue at a constant power output which translates to 70% of the maximum volume of oxygen intake is recorded longest at 11 ºC. It is thus less in low or high temperatures. According to Varnos et al (2010, 330), the ambient temperature for 3 ºC registers the longest time while at 40 and 20 ºC. According to the most recent research, an optimum temperature has been developed especially for marathoners. This optimum temperature is 10-12 ºC. There is an impaired performance with any reduction in the heat loss rate or extra heat load. Rise in temperature results in an equal rise in the skin temperature. This will lead to a counter reaction. The counter reaction includes sweating and increased heart beat. The reactions vary depending on the climatic weather conditions in place. There are some physiological adaptations carried out when the body is exposed to strenuous temperatures. The adaptations are considered when there is abnormal heat or cold in the environment. According to Tharion et al (2005, 55), the threshold and the adaptations in human beings are individualized. Human comfort changes have three outlines during mountain climbing. There is a release of a hormone by the hypothalamus which causes pleasure. Secondly, the mountain climbers are ever expecting and prepared for severe uncomfortable conditions. There is an increased flow of blood which carries the extra heat away. Thus, sweat production is linked to the distribution of the blood flow and leads to a higher and localized skin temperatures. On the other hand the body has its mechanisms to control the water in the body. In a day, 5-10% of the water is actually turned over through exercises and fluid loss avenue. According to Braum et al (2004, 655), the ventilation process and the respiratory water loss is offset oxidation process which releases metabolic water. During mountain climbing there is change in the changing climate. This ranges from warm, to hot and cold conditions as one climbs the mountain. The ability to vary the output is the primary means of regulating the net body water balance. The net balance of water is remarkably regulated due to thirst versus hunger. However the acute mismatches that occur between the loss of the fluid and the gaining of the fluid can occur due to environmental exposure, exercise and physical work. After water loss there is an associated water deficit and there is a long period of rehydration. For instance, if the body is dehydrated by a 4% water loss, it takes a full 24 hours to rehydrate through the water and electrolyte replacement. Strenuous activity in hot environment can easily result in a mild balance of water deficits. This occurs despite the unlimited to fluids and water that goes against water consumption in those areas. There is a very big difference between the daily water intakes among different individuals. However scientists have devised that the adequate intake (AI) for women is 2.7 Litres and 3.7 litres for men. The daily water intake increase substantially. For instance, at sedentary, men’s daily water need is ~1.2 litres or ~2.5 litres. The rate increases with increase in extra activities up to ~3.2 litres. Armstrong (2006, 730) maintains that those living in a warm environment, have a daily water need of ~6 litres while active populations have a higher water need. According to recent research, there is limited data given on women water need. However, they experience a lower need as compared to male requirements. The magnitude by which sweat is lost from our bodies in a warm environment depends on the intensity of work and the duration taken. The production of the metabolic heat is balanced by heat loss which is released through sweating. In warm weather, there is a higher demand for evaporative cooling. This leads to greater sweat loss and higher water requirements. Furthermore, there is larger difference in sweat rate between individuals and change in climatic conditions. Conclusion Exercise like mountain climbing, prolonged working and very long training sessions in cold, hot and hot and humid areas usually challenge the physiologic functioning of the body. Thermoregulation, dehydration and fluid balance are some of the counter reactions which accompany exercise, training and physical activities. This case is true during long periods of work, strenuous exercises and competitions. Body fluid loss leads to decrease in performance especially if the activity is in a hot environment. It is thus advisable that climbers, those training and those in general exercise should be attempt to replace fluid and rehydrate especially if the sessions are performed in hot weather conditions. Rehydration is vital for physiologic functions and it also adds some advantage which limits medical injuries or problems. This can occur through fluid loss. 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