Accordance between V̇O 2 max and behavior in Ngisonyoka Turkana

This study examined the relationship between maximal aerobic work capacity (maximal oxygen uptake, V̇O 2 max) and two variables (occupational group and history of cattle herding) related to the behavior of the Ngisonyoka Turkana, a group of East African pastoralists maintaining a traditional herding lifestyle. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured for 19 men aged 20–44 years using a Monark bicycle ergometer. In line with previous reports for East Africans, there was little difference among mean V̇O 2 max for three Ngisonyoka age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49 years), P > 0.05. However, V̇O 2 max varied with history of cattle herding [defined as either (1) presently herding cattle, (2) had formerly herded cattle, or (3) had never herded cattle], P < 0.01. Maximal oxygen uptake also varied with occupational group (defined as junior herder, senior herder, herdowner [= former herder], or impoverished herdowner [= resumed herder]), P < 0.05. Thus, culturally defined work history and occupational group are positively associated with V̇O 2 max, and may be useful in field studies of the effects of past and present activity levels on aerobic capacity. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.