A proposed test to determine physical working capacity at pain intensity threshold (PWC).

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a new threshold parameter called the physical working capacity at pain intensity threshold (PWC) using a pain intensity scale and mathematical methods similar to those used to develop the physical working capacity at oxygen consumption threshold (PWC) and physical working capacity at heart rate threshold (PWC). The study had two objectives: (i) to examine the relationship between PWC and traditional PWC measures and (ii) to explore the physiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between pain perception and capacity thresholds.

Methods: Fourteen male volunteers (age 21 ± 2 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, weight 76 ± 9 kg, VO 37.