Physical fitness in different groups of industrial workers

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.