Maximal aerobic capacity for repetitive lifting: comparison with three standard exercise testing modes

A multi-stage, repetitive lifting maximal oxygen uptake ( $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ ) test was developed to be used as an occupational research tool which would parallel standard ergometric $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ testing procedures. The repetitive lifting $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ test was administered to 18 men using an automatic repetitive lifting device. An intraclass reliability coefficient of 0.91 was obtained with data from repeated tests on seven subjects. Repetitive lifting $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ test responses were compared to those for treadmill, cycle ergometer and arm crank ergometer. The mean±SD repetitive lifting $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ of 3.20±0.42 l · min⁻¹ was significantly (p<0.01) less than treadmill $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ (Δ = 0.92 l · min⁻¹) and cycle ergometer $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ (Δ = 0.43 l· min⁻¹) and significantly greater than arm crank ergometer $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ (Δ = 0.63 l · min⁻¹). The correlation between repetitive lifting oxygen uptake and power output wasr = 0.65. $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ correlated highly among exercise modes, but maximum power output did not. The efficiency of repetitive lifting exercise was significantly greater than that for arm cranking and less than that for leg cycling. The repetitive lifting $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ test has an important advantage over treadmill or cycle ergometer tests in the determination of relative repetitive lifting intensities. The individual curves of $\dot V_{O_2 }$ vs. power output established during the multi-stage lifting $\dot V_{O_{2max} }$ test can be used to accurately select work loads required to elicit given percentages of maximal oxygen uptake.