Factors associated with population variation in physiological working capacity

Abstract

Determinants of working capacity vary with the task to be performed, cultural differences in the distinction between work and leisure, and secular trends to a sedentary society. However, tolerance of physical effort is still necessary in many developing countries. Determinations of working capacity should examine at least aerobic power, body composition, physical performance, and muscular endurance. Often, compromises will be necessary when testing in remote locations, but where possible, normal laboratory procedures should be followed. Data must be interpreted in relation to size, nutrition, fluid balance, lifestyle (including current activity habits and cigarette consumption), family size, and general health. The range of human variation can be examined by several techniques, including data distribution curves for large populations, the study of extreme variants such as athletes and patients with metabolic abnormalities, and comparisons between close relatives. To date, population studies have failed to unravel the relative contribution of constitution and environment to the determination of physical working capacity. The way ahead probably lies in more extended studies of relatives, sustained over several generations. Copyright © 1985 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company