Psychophysical lifting capacity over extended periods.

The effect of time on an individual's lifting capacity over extended periods using a psychophysical approach was studied. Twelve male subjects estimated their lifting capacity in a 25 min period, and then attempted to lift this weight for an 8 h period under varying conditions. For one experimental condition the subjects were allowed to adjust the weight, the final adjusted maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWOL) averaged 85.4% of the original MAWOL determined in the 25 min session. The subjects also attempted to lift for an 8 h period, without any weight adjustments. All 12 subjects lasted the 8 h at 2 lifts per min, but at a frequency of 8 lifts per min only three subjects completed the eight hour lifting task. This indicates that the psychophysical approach is a valid method to measure lifting capacity across the lower lifting frequency range but overestimates the lifting capacity at the higher frequency range. Slight fluctuations were noted in heart rate and oxygen consumption which were recorded every hour.