Habitual Physical Activity of Rural Burmese Women

Abstract

Habitual physical activity of 16 Burmese women aged 19-24 yrs residing in a rural Burmese village was assessed by the questionnaire method together with the diary method and heart rate measurements. The pattern of their habitual physical activity had a seasonal variation. Their heart rate during transplanting paddy, pounding glutinous paddy and carrying water ranged from 108-132, 119-144 and 120-168 beats min_?1 respectively. Their work intensity expressed as a percentage of their maximal aerobic power varied from 1304 to 79-47. It was found that the habitual physical activity of these rural women could contribute a positive effect towards their physical performance capacity.