Activity-Specific Maximum Aerobic Capacity Identification for Construction Workers Using Submaximal Exercise Tests and Wearable Sensors

Maximum aerobic capacity (MAC) helps in physical work capacity evaluation. In practice, the construction jobs are designed using the standard treadmill or ergometer MAC value, which is inappropriate and leads to injuries. According to NIOSH, the average oxygen consumption during an 8 h day is recommended to be no more than 33% of the exercise-specific MAC. Therefore, there is a necessity for construction activity-specific MAC exercise protocols and estimation models. The aim of the study is to develop MAC estimation models for common construction activities such as walking, carrying, lifting, and combined (carrying, dragging, hammering, lifting, and wrenching) using the submaximal exercise test mode. Ten male participants performed all four activities at three different intensities for five minutes each. The oxygen uptake and heart rate were recorded for each trial. This study shows that the average MAC value for walking, carrying, lifting, and combined activities is 0.779 gpm (2.95 L/m), 0.674 gpm (2.55 L/m), 0.745 gpm (2.82 L/m), and 0.608 gpm (2.30 L/m), respectively. The MAC value of combined construction activities is significantly lower than walking (28%), carrying (11%), and lifting (22%). The study recommends using a construction activity-specific exercise protocol for evaluating jobs or workers to prevent a mismatch between job demands and worker capabilities.