Estimation of the Maximal Work Rate Sustainable for 6 Minutes Using a Single-level Load or Stepwise Increasing Loads

Abstract

Twenty-seven young men participated in four different types of maximal work tests: the Tornvall maximal ergometer test with a constant load and a work time of about 6 min, a maximal work test with two increases in load after 12 and 18 min work and a work time of about 21 min, a work test with increase in load every 6th minute until exhaustion, and a maximal work test on constant load during which maximal oxygen uptake was determined. A method based on the relationship between log load and log work time is proposed for estimation of physical work capacity expressed as W_{max 6 min} from work tests with increasing loads. W_{max 6 min} calculated in this manner differs very little from the results obtained from a work test with a constant load and a work time of about 6 min (the Tornvall test) and the coefficient of correlation and standard error of residuals are of the same magnitude (r = 0.95–0.97; s_e = 64 – 88 kpm × min⁻¹) as those obtained from a test-retest of the Tornvall test (r = 0.97; s_e = 59 kpm × min⁻¹). The Tornvall test also shows a very strong relationship with the maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0.88).