Work Efficiency The efficiency of performance of a piece of work may be evaluated by computing its energy requirement. The more efficient worker accomplishes a certain piece of work with a lesser expenditure of energy. Evaluation of a task, such as flying an airplane, can be accomplished by measurement of energy output. As a worker's duties increase in complexity, his muscular tension is increased, resulting in an increased metabolic rate. The level of skill of a performer may be assessed by observing his energy output during work. Generalized increases in skeletal muscular tension which elevate metabolism are characteristic of an inexperienced worker. The energy requirement for a particular task may be reduced by: (1) improving the skill elements of the task, (2) reducing extra movements, (3) improving the physical condition of the worker, and (4) adjusting the rate of work to an optimum rate. Observations on the energy requirements of various rates of work demonstrate that two factors are involved. There is an optimum rate at which a given piece of work is accomplished in the shortest time with the least expenditure of energy. There is also a maximum rate of work which can be sustained for a given period of time. In many instances where quantity of work is not a factor, the most rapid rate is the most economical even though exhaustion may occur early, since the work period is so short that only a very small amount of the total energy is used for supporting the body processes. Work done at a rapid rate may he within the range at which skill is not limited, yet beyond the range of intensity at which a steady state can be established. At this rapid rate of work there is a progressive development of fatigue, and exhaustion becomes inevitable. Even though this rapid rate may require the least energy for the unit output of work, the work must soon be slowed considerably or stopped to allow a period of recovery during which time little or no work is accomplished. Thus it is evident that a definition of the optimum rate of work must involve a consideration of the steady state level as well as of the economy of energy.		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