Work capacity and physiologic responses to work: Men born in 1913

A representative sample (no. = 793) of the total population of men born in 1913 in Göteborg, Sweden, was studied in 1967 with stepwise-increased work loads on a bicycle ergometer. The test aimed to obtain physical exhaustion in as many as possible. Exercise at a maximal load was performed by 84 percent; 77 percent stopped because of general fatigue. Their maximal heart rate was 172 ± 12 beats/ min, systolic blood pressure 212 ± 25 mm Hg, respiratory rate 35 ±8 breaths/min. The maximal oxygen uptake was predicted to 2.3 liters/min (30.4 ml/kg per min). Only 12 patients stopped because of chest pain. Four different physicians supervised the tests; no differences among observers were noted.