Presenting a Predictive Model for Estimating the Capacity of Performing Physical Work Based on Physiological and Anthropometric Responses: A Pilot Study Based on the Direct Method

Measuring physical work capacity is one of the important topics in work physiology. It is done with the aim of examining the fit between the work and worker. Body composition components are among the factors influencing the maximum aerobic capacity.They need to be determined using direct and instrumental methods and it is necessary to provide a model to predict the estimated  physical work capacity based on the results of these methods.

 In this cross-sectional study, 50male students were randomly selected. To estimate the maximal aerobic capacity, Bruce protocol and a treadmill were used. Subjects’ body composition components were measured using an instrument during the test. Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Finally, a model was presented to predict maximal oxygen consumption based on linear regression analysis.

The mean of age of students was21.36±2.08 years. Mean of maximal aerobic capacity of students was estimated at 44.01±4.75 (ml/kg/Min). The results of present study revealed a significant and negative relationship between maximal aerobic capacity and body composition components.

Since estimating the physical work capacity requires relationships and equations that have acceptable accuracy and validity, a model is presented in this regard based on the results of the present study. The variables of body mass index, body fat percentage and waist-hip ratio play an effective role in estimating physical work capacity and the maximal oxygen consumption can be estimated with high accuracy based on the presented model.