Abstract
Measurement of certain physiological variables during work are readily obtainable and are known to be significant for determination of energy expenditure. This investigation was a working test conducted in the plant, using suitably erected scaffolding for a vertical climb of 20 feet. Eighteen healthy workers (age range 27 to 65) were tested. A cardiotachometer, a portable respirometer, and a polarographic oxygen sensor were used to make continuous recordings of the heart rates, ventilatory volume, and oxygen consumption before, during, and after climbing. The energy expenditure for the described task ranged from 5 to 11 kcal/min., with an average of 8.4 kcal/min. In terms of caloric energy expenditure and because of rapid return to normal pulse rates, this climbing situation presents only a moderate physical stress.