METABOLIC REACTIONS TO WORK IN DESERT

Oxygen consumption V(O2) and ventilation (VE) during submaximal and maximal work were measured in comfortable environments and in dry heat. In submaximal work there was no significant change in VO2 in heat, although it showed a trend to be lower than in a comfortable environment. In maximal work VO2 was significantly decreased in hot environments. Blood lactate concentration 5 min. after maximal performance did not show any significant correlation with air temperature. However, a highly significant correlation was found between work time and blood lactate and between VO2max and blood lactate. In dry heat the decrease in VO2 in maximal work and probably also in higher levels of submaximal work very likely reflects an insufficient blood supply to the working muscles.