Productivity and maximal oxygen consumption in sugar cane cutters

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Abstract
V̇O2max and daily productivity (metric tons/day) have been measured in 46 sugar cane cutters 18 to 34 years of age. A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that productivity was simultaneously related to V̇O2max, height and body fat (r = 0.685; P < 0.001). The multiple regression equation was: productivity (tons/day) = 0.81 V̇O2max percent fat + 0.03 height − 1.96. The data indicate that productivity is affected indirectly by nutritional status through the influence of the latter on height, fat content and V̇O2max The decrease in V̇O2max that occurs with age was similar to that reported in the literature. Evidence is presented that, as the worker ages, a higher percent V̇O2max has to be utilized to maintain productivity.