Question

What is the average metabolic rate for a boiler maker who is performing maintenance on the boiler during shutdown and works for 3 hours at 3.5 kcal/min, takes a break for 30 min in a sitting position (metabolic rate = 0.3 kcal/min), resumes working on the outside of the boiler for 3.5 hours (metabolic rate = 2.5 kcal/min), then performs administrative work in the area for 1 hour (metabolic rate = 0.4 kcal/min)?

Answer 1

The average metabolic rate for the boiler maker during the 8 hours is 2.475 kcal/min.

Explanation:

We can calculate the average as a weighted average.

This weighted average can be expressed as:

`\bar M=(\sum t_i\cdot M_i)/(\sum t_i)=(3*3.5+0.5*0.3+3.5*2.5+1*0.4)/(3+0.5+3.5+1)\\\\\\\\\bar M=(19.8)/(8)=2.475`

being ti the hours on each task or break, and Mi the metabolic rate for each task or break.

The average metabolic rate for the boiler maker during the 8 hours is 2.475 kcal/min.