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European journal of applied physiology2008; 104(2); 289-296; doi: 10.1007/s00421-007-0659-5

The physiological demands of horseback mustering when wearing an equestrian helmet.

Abstract: The hottest months on northern Australian cattle stations are from September to November, and it is during these months that horseback cattle mustering occurs. Stockmen wear clothing that restricts heat loss, and protective helmets have recently been introduced. Anecdotal evidence points to the possibility that helmets may increase the probability of developing heat illness, or reducing workplace performance. In this project, we quantified the working (thermal) environment on such cattle stations, and measured the metabolic demands on, and concurrent physiological strain in stockmen during mustering, whilst wearing an equestrian helmet. During horseback work, the average heart rate was 102.0 beats min(-1) (SD 14.0), with almost 90% of the time (238 min) spent working at intensities <50% of the heart rate reserve. The projected metabolic heat production during mustering ranged between 178 and 333 W (women), and between 212 and 542 W (men). The average core temperature was 37.6 degrees C, while the mean skin temperature averaged 34.1 degrees C. It was concluded that the working environment is, on average, thermally uncompensable during the mustering season. However, horseback mustering per se is a relatively low-intensity activity, interspersed with short periods of high-intensity work. This activity level was reflected within core temperatures, which rarely climbed above values associated with light-moderate exercise. Thus, whilst the climatic state was uncompensable, stockmen used behavioural strategies to minimise the risk of heat illness. Finally, it was observed that the helmet, though unpleasant to wear, did not appear to increase thermal strain in a manner that would disadvantage stockmen.
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Publication Date: 2008-01-05 PubMed ID: 18176814DOI: 10.1007/s00421-007-0659-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the impact of wearing equestrian helmets on the physiological strain experienced by stockmen during horseback cattle mustering in northern Australia. Findings suggest that the helmet does not significantly increase heat stress therefore could be safely worn without affecting the performance or health of the stockmen.

Research Context: Thermal Environment of Northern Australian cattle stations

  • The study is set in northern Australian cattle stations, highlighting the seasonal patterns, specifically during their hot months from September to November when horseback cattle mustering is typically done.
  • The focus is the working environment and conditions faced by stockmen during mustering season which is hot and demands physical exertion.
  • The clothing of stockmen, including protective helmets recently introduced, is noted for potentially restricting heat loss and possibly increasing the risk of heat illness.

Research Methodology: Quantifying Working Conditions

  • The researchers conducted an empirical study where they quantified the thermal environment on cattle stations.
  • They measured the metabolic demands and physiological strain on stockmen during mustering while wearing equestrian helmets.
  • Parameters including heart rate, metabolic heat production, core temperature, and skin temperature were recorded during horseback work.

Findings: Effect of Helmets on Physiological Strain

  • The findings revealed that the average heart rate during horseback work was 102.0 beats per minute (SD 14.0), with almost 90% of the time (238 min) spent working at intensities less than 50% of the heart rate reserve.
  • The projected metabolic heat production during mustering varied between individuals and genders, ranging from 178 to 333 W for women and between 212 and 542 W for men.
  • Mean core temperature was recorded as 37.6 degrees Celsius, and mean skin temperature averaged at 34.1 degrees Celsius.
  • The working environment was deemed thermally uncompensable during the mustering season due to high temperatures.
  • However, horseback mustering activity was found to be low-intensity involving short periods of high-intensity work and did not significantly increase core temperatures beyond those associated with light-moderate exercise.

Conclusion: Helmets do not Increase Thermal Strain

  • The researchers concluded, despite the thermally uncompensable climate, stockmen were found to use behavioural strategies to minimize the risks of heat illness.
  • The use of a helmet, while subjectively uncomfortable to wear, did not objectively increase thermal strain to a level that would disadvantage stockmen or increase their risk of heat-related illness.

Cite This Article

APA
Taylor NA, Caldwell JN, Dyer R. (2008). The physiological demands of horseback mustering when wearing an equestrian helmet. Eur J Appl Physiol, 104(2), 289-296. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0659-5

Publication

European journal of applied physiology
ISSN: 1439-6319
NlmUniqueID: 100954790
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 104
Issue: 2
Pages: 289-296

Researcher Affiliations

Taylor, Nigel A S
  • Human Performance Laboratories, School of Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. nigel_taylor@uow.edu.au
Caldwell, Joanne N
    Dyer, Rodd

      MeSH Terms

      • Adolescent
      • Adult
      • Animals
      • Body Temperature / physiology
      • Cattle
      • Cognition / physiology
      • Data Interpretation, Statistical
      • Exercise / physiology
      • Female
      • Head Protective Devices
      • Heart Rate / physiology
      • Horses
      • Humans
      • Humidity
      • Male
      • Middle Aged
      • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
      • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
      • Sex Characteristics
      • Temperature
      • Thermogenesis / physiology

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 3 times.
      1. Tan YH, Hitesh A, Li KHH. Application of Machine Learning Algorithm on MEMS-Based Sensors for Determination of Helmet Wearing for Workplace Safety. Micromachines (Basel) 2021 Apr 16;12(4).
        doi: 10.3390/mi12040449pubmed: 33923785google scholar: lookup
      2. Jay O, Brotherhood JR. Occupational heat stress in Australian workplaces. Temperature (Austin) 2016;3(3):394-411.
        doi: 10.1080/23328940.2016.1216256pubmed: 28349081google scholar: lookup
      3. Caldwell JN, Patterson MJ, Taylor NA. Exertional thermal strain, protective clothing and auxiliary cooling in dry heat: evidence for physiological but not cognitive impairment. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012 Oct;112(10):3597-606.
        doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2340-xpubmed: 22328005google scholar: lookup
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