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A comparison of the physical work capacity of individuals as determined by various tasks

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Abstract

The maximum oxygen intake of nine male subjects was determined on a step-test and while they were working at maximum rates on tramming and on the treadmill. For all tasks three repeated measurements of oxygen intake and heart rates were made at each level of work. Estimates of the maximum oxygen intake of the nine men, based on the data obtained from laboratory tasks such as running on the treadmill and stepping on and off a stool 12 inches high, were very similar to estimates based on an industrial task such as tramming a mine car. Results obtained during treadmill running and tramming agreed more closely with each other than the data obtained during the stepping test agree with those obtained from either the treadmill or tramming. Use of the individual's own maximum heart rate (obtained during the treadmill tests) improved estimates of maximum oxygen intake for the step-test, whereas the use of the group mean heart rate of 184 beats/min, instead of 180 beats/min, improved estimates even further.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Sciences Laboratory, Transvaal and Orange Free State Chamber of Mines, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa

    C. G. Williams, C. H. Wyndham, A. J. N. du Raan & R. Kok

  2. Physical Sciences Laboratory, Transvaal and Orange Free State Chamber of Mines, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa

    A. Heyns

Authors
  1. C. G. Williams
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  2. C. H. Wyndham
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  3. A. J. N. du Raan
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  4. R. Kok
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  5. A. Heyns
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Williams, C.G., Wyndham, C.H., du Raan, A.J.N. et al. A comparison of the physical work capacity of individuals as determined by various tasks. Int. Z. Angew. Physiol. Einschl. Arbeitsphysiol. 24, 102–110 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698326

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00698326

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