Abstract

Maximum oxygen consumption was determined by the indirect method (with submaximal effort) in 155 forestry workers, 120 miners, 240 tool manufacturers (turners, planers etc.), 75 control-board operators. Differences were found according both to age and occupation. Variance analysis showed that age had a greater impact (F = 68) than occupation (F = 20). The highest values were recorded in foresters (57 -- 39 ml/kg/min depending on age). In miners the average values were 49 -- 35 ml/kg/min, while toolmakers and pannel operators showed maximum oxygen consumption of 45 -- 32 ml/kg/min, VO2 being nearly the same in both groups of occupation for the respective groups of age. Values of 50 ml/kg/min or above were found in 88% of 20 -- 29 year -old foresters and in 54% of the miners, while in toolmakers and in pannel operators such vales of VO2 were found only in 37% and 27% respectively, of the cases.