[Work capacity and the factors limiting it in patients with III- to IV-degree obesity]

There is a marked decrement in physical performance of those patients with III to IV grade obesity as compared to apparently healthy volunteers going into training. Deficient reserve capabilities of the system for utilization of oxygen and oxygen transport appear to be those factors determining and limiting physical fitness of obese individuals. Exercise testing involving recording of indices for gas exchange in real time appears to be a valuable method of diagnosis of particular features of oxygen supply in patients with III to IV grade obesity, providing a very helpful information.