Dynamic heart rate response to deer hunting in men and women

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the heart rate response and force tension associated with deer hunting activities in men and women. Fifteen men and women (body mass index: 25.6±5.2 kg/m2; age: 27±9 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to determine maximal heart rate (HRmax). Subjects completed a 0.8 km hike over typical hunting terrain. Following a short rest, subjects completed a 0.4 km drag using a fake deer weighing 56 kg (123 pounds, the weight of the average field dressed deer in Pennsylvania, USA) over similar terrain. HR was measured during the activities using a Polar Heart Rate Monitor. Force tension (TNmean) while dragging the deer was measured using a cable tensiometer. Women on average completed the 0.4 km drag course in 13±3 min, where men on average only needed 6±2 min to complete the drag. Women spent significantly more time ≥85% HRmax (9±4 min), than men (2±3 min) during the drag (P<0.05). Women, on average, completed 71±22% of their drag ≥85% HRmax which was significantly greater than men (37±36%; P<0.05). Throughout the drag, men and women HRpeak corresponded to 90±6% and 99±7%, respectively, of their measured HRmax via GXT (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in TNmean between men and women during the drag tests. The results from this study indicate that hunting includes high-intensity exercise, with a greater relative stress placed on women. Deer hunters should exercise caution and adequately prepare for the potential demands of this activity.

Electrocardiographic Responses to Deer Hunting in Men and Women

“…In the present study, only 4 hunters dragged a deer, so the physiologic data available for this hunting activity are limited. Only 1 of the 4 hunters achieved an HR indicative of high-intensity exercise (91% HRmax), which is in conflict with other published reports of both simulated 9,10,15 and actual 8 hunts. In our prior study, 14 of 15 young, healthy adults achieved an HR Z85% HRmax while dragging a 56kg fake deer.…”

“…Our findings are consistent with the limited evidence available from previous studies that suggest deer hunting is a high-intensity physical activity creating an increased demand on the cardiovascular system and potential risk for a cardiac event. [8][9][10]15 In the current investigation, men and women with and without CVD recorded substantial increases in HR and clinically relevant arrhythmias while deer hunting. Hunting activities elicited HR responses Z85% HRmax, demonstrating deer hunting includes high-intensity activity and increased cardiovascular demand.…”

“…In that study, the other tactics required less physical effort, such as hiking or sitting, and did not produce meaningful physiologic responses. 10 Of the various hunting tactics, climbing a tree stand elicited the greatest relative HR response, which is not surprising considering the physical exertion required to climb the stand. However, buck fever resulted in comparable HR responses and elicited arrhythmias, which is noteworthy given that the hunters were relatively motionless during this time.…”

“…Previous reports of hiking as part of a simulated hunt elicited HR responses below 85% HRmax , 9,10 suggesting that hiking is not a high-intensity exercise. However, similar to previous research, our findings suggest that there is substantial variation in HR response while hiking during the hunt.…”

“…Specifically, 4 died in the emergency department and 3 while hunting in the field. 6 It is understood that deer hunting involves both strenuous physical activities 3,6,[8][9][10] and psychological stimuli. 11 Haapaniemi et al 8 provided evidence that the high-intensity nature of deer hunting results in dangerous cardiac stresses and suggested fitness may influence a person's relative risk.…”