Metabolic Aspects of Acute Starvation In Normal Humans: Performance and Cardiovascular Evaluation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Six healthy, normal adult males between the ages of 21 and 52 years fasted for a period of 10 days under conditions where water was available ad libitum. Basal oxygen uptakes (V̇o2) in milliliters per minute and milliliters per kilogram body weight per minute corrected to standard conditions were significantly decreased during the fasting period. In submaximal work on the treadmill VeBTPS and Vo2 in milliliters per minute and milliliters per kilogram per minute were significantly decreased during the fasting and rehabilitation periods, indicating a training effect. Maximal oxygen uptakes in milliliters per kilogram per minute were decreased during fasting, but the decrease was not statistically significant. Other maximal work measurements V̇eBTPS, pulse rates and kilogram-meters of work per minute were also reduced in comparison to the control values, indicating a training effect. Electrocardiograms were significantly abnormal during the fasting phase and are considered to reflect a severe stress. One of the six subjects developed an abnormal electroencephalogram and was immediately removed from the study. Although physical performance was not significantly impaired during a 10-day starvation period, complete fasting without mineral supplementation is not recommended for troops on combat patrol.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: