Diferencias en la estimación de gasto energético por actividad entre el método factorial y estimaciones directas usando ritmo cardiaco en campesinos de Calakmul, Campeche, México en condiciones de campo

Abstract

This paper compares energy expenditure by physical activity (EEA) estimated using metabolic constants as a reference for distinct activities outlined by the FAO (1985) and which make reference to the required physical activity levels (PAL) in order to carry out a determined activity (factorial method FM), with the EEA estimated using a Polar Mod M51 hart rate monitor on 20 agriculturalist household members from the tropical forests of Calakmul, Campeche under field conditions. Measurements and observations were made during the 2001-2002 harvest season from October to January, and the 2002 field preparation and planting season from February to May. While no significant mean differences were obtain between estimates using a student t distribution, a regression of EEA FM estimates on EEA hart rate estimates, showed that the FM underestimates hart rate EEA by 18.7 %. The underestimation increases with PAL. FM overestimations of as much as 424.62 kcal/ day were observed with low PALs and underestimations of 874.00 kcal with high PALs.