Abstract

The objective of this study was to make comparison of the physical work capacities with different types and methods of tasks. To produce standard work loads, a bicycle ergometer and a treadmill were used for the purpose of two different types of tasks. Maximal oxygen uptake measurement tests are usually performen (1) continuously - with no rest between work load increments, or (2) discontinuously - with the subjects resting several minutes between work periods. Continuous test protocol with two different methods of work load increments, (1) ramp test- with 3 to 5 minutes of work period for each work load, and (2) incremental test - where exercise intensity was increased progressively in 2 minutes interval, were used. Predicted physicala work capacities (PWCs) were compared with the one by Kim(1990), and Lee(1995), and the NIOSH physiological criteria. For ergometer test, the PWC based on the ramp test was 89.65% of the one based on the incremental test. The PWC values were 2553.88 ml/min for the ramp test and 2848.82 ml/min for the incremental test. For treadmill test, the PWC based on the ramp test was 97.54% of the one based on the incremental test. The PWC values were 2786.89 ml/min for the ramp test and 2857.24 ml/min for the incremental test. The PWC obtained with a bicycle ergometer was 91.64% of the one obtained with a treadmill for the ramp test, and 99.71% for the incremental test.

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