Estimation of aerobic fitness of underground coal mine workers and development of a predictive equation to determine their VO2max.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the aerobic fitness of miners and develop a predictive equation to assess their maximum oxygen uptake (V_O2max), which is crucial for ensuring their safety and health in harsh working conditions. Measurement of V_O2max via indirect calorimetry is costly and requires skilled personnel; developing a predictive equation is a viable alternative. Existing predictive equations, e.g., Hunt, Kline and Dolgener equations, were tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient, constant error, standard error of estimate and total error. The aerobic fitness of shearer operators, bolters miners, jackhammer drillers and road header operators was very low. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that predicted V_O2max measurements of all three equations had a total error of >10%, which is unacceptable for usage. Therefore, a new predictive equation was developed with a total error of 9.78%. The developed predictive equation is useful to evaluate miners' functional capacity with higher precision and assist in allocating work.