[Effect of work of different types and intensity on changes in work capacity]

Changes in the current effort capacity following 4-hrs' performance of six types of work of different intensity and different muscular system engagement, have been evaluated. The studies involved two groups of women. Group I, consisting of 25 women, performed the dynamic, work on cycle-and manual-ergometers (Rr) and two types of static effort resulting from the shift of the load constituting 20% body weight (N) and maintenance of forced posture during manual weaving (T). Group II, consisting of 9 women, performed the dynamic work on cycle ergometer (R) and dynamic-static work, with an additional load, i.e. holding--in one's hand--2,5 kg (R2,5) and 5.0 kg (R5,0). The effort capacity was determined before and after work, basing on an ergometer test. Whatever the type of the previously performed work, the tolerance of fatigue was found to decrease, which was expressed by lower values of oxygen consumption and heart rate at which the women stopped the test effort. The intensity of the previously performed work (% VO2 max) might be estimated from the difference in the average test effort power, respiratory quotient value and amount of oxygen consumed per one power unit. The static load was evidenced by changes in the blood systolic pressure and increased heart rate during the effort test.