Static strength and physical work capacity of agricultural labourers in the central plain of Thailand

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to determine the static strength and physical work capacity of Thai agricultural labourers. Ten male and 10 female subjects, were randomly selected from the two provinces of the central plain of Thailand. The anthropometry of these labourers was determined by taking 42 body dimensions. During the static strength evaluation, back, arm, leg, shoulder, composite and hand grip strengths were measured. The physical work capacity was determined by using a bicycle ergometer. The oxygen consumption was determined by oxylog. It was observed that the composite strength was highest while grip strength was lowest for both male and female subjects. However, static strength of different body parts for all males was higher than that of similar body parts for females. Comparison of data obtained in this study was made with the data for subjects in other countries. The physical work capacity of female agricultural labourers participating in this study was found to be 69% that of male labourers.