Physical work load affects the maximum oxygen uptake

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is known to be influenced by life-style factors, such as exercise and smoking. We aimed to further test the hypothesis that, besides these, work form also contributes to increase VO2max among workers.

Three thousand six hundred and forty eight male workers with age 38.3 +/- 12.1 and 1,575 female workers with age 35.6 +/- 11.1, ranging from 20-year old to 69-year old, who participated in Total Health Promotion Plan at workplaces in Fukui Prefecture in 1998 were selected. Data on VO2max were analyzed for age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), work form (sedentary, standing or ambulatory), exercise, and smoking.

Multiple regression analysis showed that work form ("standing", "ambulatory"), and exercise habits might increase VO2max while BMI, age, and SBP might decrease VO2max in male participants. Exercise habits were suggested to increase VO2max while BMI, SBP, and age might decrease VO2max in females. In females smoking, was suggested to increase VO2max.

After adjusting for age, BMI, SBP, exercise, and smoking, it was suggested that the physical work load, represented by the work form, may contribute to increases in VO2max in males. Implications of smoking among females with respect to VO2max is discussed.