Maximum Steady State Work The maximum rate of sustained work is a function of the individual's ability to attain a steady state at high levels of exertion. In distance running, swimming, bicycling, skiing or rowing, the competitor must adjust his speed to a rate which is within his ability to maintain a steady state of physiological activity. The athlete raises his steady state level by three procedures, First, he improves his general physical condition so that the organs may function to sustain a physiological equilibrium at higher levels of activity. Second, he improves his skill in the activity he is to perform so that there is an economy of expenditure of energy and so that the movements will be skillful even at very rapid rates. Third, he learns to recognize the maximum rate which can be maintained in a physiological steady state. This is accomplished through pacing. The third procedure, pacing, is usually the last to be perfected. A characteristic of the inexperienced athlete is his inability to maintain a steady pace. He tends to exhaust himself early in the race by surpassing his maximum physiological steady state. The energy required for maintaining the body functions at rest and during work is derived ultimately from the oxidation of the foodstuffs. In a steady state of rest or moderate work the rate of oxygen consumption is an expression of the rate of energy production. In hard work in which the oxidation of the foodstuffs cannot keep pace with the energy requirement, the energy is liberated by anaerobic processes and an oxygen debt is accumulated. This oxygen debt is paid off during recover. In steady state work the oxygen consumption during work is a measure of the energy requirement of the work. In exhausting work, however, the energy requirement is the sum of the oxygen consumed during work and the amount of the oxygen debt.		Home Pace Motivation Measures of Endurance Computation of Dietary Requirement Work Efficiency Maximum Steady State Work Inefficiency of Anaerobic Work Estimation of Work Efficiency Efficiency of Grade Climbing Low Economy of Slow Work Maximum Rate of Work Levers of the Body Fatigue and Recovery General Fatigue Symptoms Anxiety State Organic Fatigue Cortical Motor and Sensory Centers Effect of Exercise on Mental Work Visual Fatigue Muscular Fatigue Fatigue Prevention and Recuperation