Heart rate responses associated with waterfowl hunting in males

Abstract

With growing populations of waterfowl, waterfowl hunting has become a popular outdoor activity. Previous studies have established that men can achieve excessive heart rate responses from hunting related activities. This study observed the heart rate (HR) during four phases of authentic waterfowl hunts: Phase I - Decoy Set-Up, Phase II - Waiting Time, Phase III - Retrieval, and Phase IV - Decoy Pick-Up. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure were predicted from maximal exercise testing. Experienced male waterfowl hunters volunteered for this study. When comparing results, Phase III presented significantly higher (P<.05) caloric expenditure, HR, and VO2 than Phases I and IV. Phase III yielded a mean HR of 136 +- 14.9 bpm, which was 46 +- 5.8% of the average respectively. HR responses of 117 +- 9.9 bpm and 118 +- 10.8 bpm were documented for Phases I and IV respectively. Similarly, Phase III yielded the highest mean VO2 of 28.7 +- 8.64 ml/kg/min which was 54 +- 14.0% of the VO2 max compared to responses of 19.7 +- 5.4 ml/kg/min and 20.0 +- 4.88 ml/kg/min for Phases I and IV. Phase III also demanded the highest energy output with 11.7 +- 3.47 Kcal/min. Phases I and II were similarly lower, yielding results of 8.1 +- 2.6 and 8.4 +- 2.96 respectively. The activities associated with waterfowl hunting constitute a legitimate basis for classifying related activities as physical activity.