Work Capacity and Body Morphology of Bantu and Pygmoid Groups of Western Zaire

Document Type

Article

Authors

Donald M. Austin, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
Joseph Ghesqueiere, Catholic University of Louvain, Heverlee, Belgium
Mark Azama, Catholic University of Louvain, Heverlee, Belgium

Abstract

Stature, weight, six skinfold measurements, and three morphological indices are reported for male and female Bantu, Ntomba and pygmoid Twa samples of Western Zaire. Although stature and weight between the groups are significantly different, skinfold thickness and limb proportions are very similar. Twenty-five males of each group were tested with a bicycle ergometer. Estimates of V02maX' derived from heart rates, indicate that the Ntomba males have, generally, greater absolute aerobic capacities than do Twa males. However, when estimated VO 2max (1 ‘ min -1) is expressed in terms of body weight or leg volume, the aerobic capacities of the groups appear to be very similar.

Recommended Citation

Austin, Donald M.; Ghesqueiere, Joseph; and Azama, Mark (1979) "Work Capacity and Body Morphology of Bantu and Pygmoid Groups of Western Zaire," Human Biology: Vol. 51: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol51/iss1/9