Assessment of physiological strain in inland fishing activity

Ten fishermen aged between 19 and 48 years of age, were examined in the field during inland fishing activity, which they perform individually. Physiological strain in terms of heart rate varied between 86 and 115 beats/min with mean net cardiac cost of 32 beats/min. The average relative cardiac cost was 36%. Analysis of physiological responses revealed that the recommended limits of cardiac strain indices were surpassed during the majority of the fishing period. Average energy cost was estimated to be 3.3 kcal.min-1, which was about 34% of the VO2max. Average intensity of the workload entailed in the whole fishing shift appeared to be moderate and acceptable. Furthermore, the heat load in the working situation did not appear to be a serious threat to the health of the workers. Analysis of work revealed more static exertions in the work. To reduce the postural load and musculoskeletal discomforts of the fishermen, ergonomic interventions are required, which represents a further scope of study.