The Standardization and Interpretation of Submaximal and Maximal Tests of Working Capacity

IT IS generally agreed by work physiologists that the capacity to perform long continued physical work in a temperate environment is related to the capacity of the cardiovascular respiratory system to deliver oxygen to the muscles (the maximal oxygen intake). Since under carefully standardized conditions in selected homogeneous groups the pulse rate at submaximal levels of work is systematically related to the maximal oxygen intake, it follows that the capacity to perform physical work can be estimated from study of the pulse rate at SEE FIG. 1. IN SOURCE PDF. submaximal work levels. Work physiologists have employed for this purpose, the response of the pulse rate to a standard task or have measured the amount of work required to elevate the pulse rate to predetermined pulse levels. Work physiologists have been preoccupied with the estimation of the capacity to do physical work.