Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Abstract

Background: Heat exposure could harmed employees on many aspects. Prolonged activity under extreme heat often results in fatigue, poor concentration and dehydration. Lack of water consumption would make impact either in electrolyte balance or urinary tract system. This study examined electrolyte water supplementation and its impactin urine osmolality and employee’s performance under extreme heat condition.

Method: Indoor temperature, workers’ performance and indoor air humidity were measured. Seventy people were participated and divided evently into group A (isotonic) and group B (hypotonic). In a single blind experimental study, 3000 ml of isotonic and hypotonic solution were administered into group A and B, respectively, within 8 hours. Urine sample were taken at 10 am and 15 pm and reaction time test was done to measure performance at the end of working time.

Result: Low consuming water (400–1100 ml) in the first 4 hours was found in both group. Most of participants were stated as moderately hypohydrated state (average of urine specific gravity 1.026) in the beginning of working hours. There was no differences of urine specific gravity between two groups (U= 608.00, p=0.954). Workers’ performance was found elongated (moderately fatigue) and there was no differences in both groups (U=706.05 and p= 0. 657).

Conclusions: Electrolyte supplementation in this study is not appropriately enough to maintain electrolyte balance among workers under heat stress environment. Heat stress and lack of water replacement will caused moderate fatigue

Keywords

Full Text