A Model for Estimating the Physical Work Capacity Based on Anthropometric Components and Body Composition: A Pilot Study Based on Measuring the Maximum Oxygen Consumption on Direct Method

Background and aim: Physical work capacity is one of the significant issues in work physiology which is used to investigate compatibility between work and worker. Body composition is among the factors affecting maximal aerobic capacity. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the effect of anthropometric components and body composition on physical work capacity and to present a final model for estimating physical work capacity using direct and instrumental methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 male students were randomly selected in this cross-sectional study. The Bruce protocol and the h/p/cosmos-treadmill (Saturn model) were used to estimate the maximal aerobic capacity. Body composition was also measured using the Body Composition Analyzer Device (Olympia 3.3 model). The relationship between the variables was investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Finally, a model was presented to estimate maximum oxygen consumption based on linear regression analysis. Results: The mean maximal aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) of students was estimated to be 44.01 ± 4.75. Also, the mean body mass index and body fat percentage of students were 24.03 ± 4.31 kg/m2 and 20.77 ± 7.6%, respectively. The mean waist-to-hip ratio was 0.803. The present study indicated that there was a significant and negative relationship between maximal aerobic capacity and body composition. Conclusion: A model is proposed in the present study since estimating the physical work capacity requires acceptable accuracy and valid relationships and equations. The variables of body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio which play an effective role in estimating physical work capacity and the maximum oxygen consumption can be estimated with high accuracy based on the presented model.