[Lactate threshold and the physiological cost of work]

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Occupational Health

Context:

• Assessing physical fitness and energy expenditure in industrial workers is crucial for optimizing workplace health and productivity.
• Previous research has focused on general populations, with limited data on specific industrial work environments.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the physical fitness and energy expenditure of industrial workers using advanced monitoring techniques.
• To establish baseline physiological data for industrial workers and correlate it with work capacity.

Summary:

• Mean body size, fitness, and endurance indices were measured in 20 industrial workers.
• Heart rate, energy expenditure, and anaerobic threshold (AT) were assessed using the Holter method during work.
• Results showed workers' fitness indices were comparable to the general Polish population, with higher AT correlating to lower physiological work costs.

Impact:

• The Holter method is validated as an effective tool for monitoring energy expenditure during work.
• Findings suggest that a higher anaerobic threshold (AT) reduces the physiological cost of moderate-to-heavy work.
• Recommendations are made for AT levels in medium-fit industrial workers (approx. 2 dm3(O2) x min.-1).