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Background & objectives: Occupational stress occurs when there is no coordination between the needs of the job with the individual abilities and desires. Physical ability of individuals is determined using the maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max), which is the maximum capacity to work during the shift.  The higher the aerobic capacity, the easier it is for a person to perform strenuous activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate occupational stress and its relationship with the maximum aerobic capacity and physical activity level in bank staff.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 82 bank staff that was selected by simple random sampling. To assess the Occupational stress, physical activity and VO2max, the Iranian version of HSE occupational stress and IPQA questionnaire and step test were respectively used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-20 software. p≤0.005 was considered significant.
Results: In this study, bank employees were ranked in severe to moderate, well and moderate categories in terms of occupational stress, Vo2max and level of physical activity, respectively. There was also a significant relationship between occupational stress and age, weight, physical activity and VO2max (p≤0.05). But there was no significant relationship between occupational stress and height and BMI.
Conclusion: According to the results, the level of physical activity and especially Vo2max are considered as one of the factors affecting occupational stress. It seems that in order to reduce occupational stress and thus improve productivity, efforts to improve the level of physical activity and Vo2max are necessary.

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Background & objectives: Beta-alanine supplementation is known to enhance athletic performance.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with beta-alanine supplementation on cardiorespiratory performance and blood lactate levels in active women.
Methods: Thirty-two active young women were divided into four groups (eight individuals per group): control (placebo), supplement, and training combined either with placebo or supplement. In the pre-test and post-test, blood samples were collected, and cardiorespiratory performance was evaluated by measuring maximum heart rate (HR_max), distance walked, aerobic power (VO_2max), and blood lactate levels were evaluated after Cooper's test. The supplement group received four grams of beta-alanine daily for eight weeks, while the training groups completed an eight weeks HIIT program. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis.
Results: There was no significant difference in distance walked and VO_2max between the four groups at both time points. However, significant differences were observed in HRmax and blood lactate levels among the groups (p<0.05). HR_max and blood lactate of the supplement and training group were significantly lower than the other three groups, and blood lactate of the supplement group was also significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the supplement and training group had significantly increased distance walked and VO_2max compared to the control and training with placebo group, and the supplement group compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of HIIT and beta-alanine supplementation had a more pronounced effect on cardiorespiratory performance and blood lactate levels in active women compared to either intervention alone.