ment of fatigue will cause gradual reductions of the number of
bricks thrown in each successive inning. For example, if he un-
loads forty bricks in the first inning he will have less energy for
the second and may throw only thirty-eight. The numbers men-
tioned are merely illustrative, the intention being to show a fact
proved by many experiments that strenuous physical efforts result
in lowered production. The number thrown in each inning is
entered on a chart, and the points connected by a line which gives
a curve showing the effects of fatigue upon a single worker in one
test.

Elements in Test Selection and Standardization

Since bricks are neither readily available nor does their throw-
ing have any counterpart in basketball it was necessary to choose
a skill commonly used in vigorous games. It seemed wise, also, to
select a type of activity which would involve muscles already con-
ditioned by frequent use in order to avoid undue discomfort for
the subjects. In addition, the movement should be one lending
itself readily to standardization and to accurate measurement.

For the experiments, therefore, the choice fell upon spot run-
ning since the leg muscles normally are well conditioned; similar
footwork is found in basketball; the activity is vigorous, and the
effort can be measured easily and accurately by counting the
number of times the right foot contacts the floor. As ultimately
established, each participant was checked during ten innings in
which he alternately ran in place for ten seconds and rested for
ten seconds. The number of right foot contacts was recorded for
each inning; and the total contacts for ten consecutive innings
constituted an individual’s “production”. Most subjects repeated
the test a number of times. The scores made in these repetitions,
it will be noted, showed increased production, and thus dem-
onstrated the effects of training and development of mastery of
the exercise.

After selecting the skill and deciding upon administrative pro-
cedures and regulations, the next step consisted of establishing
the pattern of a 100 per cent fatigue curve as a basis for comparison.
If the runner applied himself and performed with maximum
energy in each period, as was requested, the development of fatigue
products would cause a decreased score in the following period.

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