Physical work capacity (VO2 max) and work ability (WAI) of active employees (men and women) in Poland

The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical work capacity and the value of work ability in occupationally active persons and to evaluate the impact of physical work capacity on work ability. The level of physical work capacity, whose indicator is VO2 max, determines the capacity to perform hard or prolonged work, good tolerance and the possibility to eliminate changes due to fatigue. So, the value of VO2 max, which determines the potential capacity for hard physical effort, can be a significant element in the subjectively perceived work ability. VO2 max was estimated with a linear regression equation, which was individually calculated between the measured heart rate and VO2 during submaximal exercise. The Work Ability Index (WAI) served as a tool for assessing work ability. The results show the importance of knowledge about the real level of physical work capacity in selecting appropriate intensity of work. VO2 max positively correlates with WAI, especially in a person doing hard physical work.