Direct Estimation of Circulatory Fatigue using a Bicycle Ergometer

Abstract

To evaluate circulatory strain during shift work, determinations of the pulse rate/[Vdot] _{O2 ratio at two different loads on the bicycle ergometer in a neutral room temperature at the beginning and at the end of the working day is proposed. The procedure is safe, simple and not unpleasant even for elderly subjects and people unfamiliar with the bicycle. However, the output of data is low, limiting its applications to a reduced number of subjects. In the present study no circulatory strain was demonstrated. This was in agreement with the fact that the work load according to the Christensen Schedule modified for Chilean conditions was moderate for the kind of operation studied and that the climatic conditions of the work were not unfavourable.}