Body size and work output

Abstract

The relationship between work output and anthropometric, biochemical, and socioeconomic variables was studied in 57 male industrial workers engaged in the production of detonator fuses. These workers were studied for 3 months and their daily work output was carefully measured. Work output was measured in terms of the number of fuses produced per day. Clinical and biochemical examination indicated that their current nutritional status was adequate. Among the parameters studied only body weight, height, and lean body weight were significantly correlated with work output. Body weight and lean body weight were significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with work output even after removing the influence of height by partial correlation. Total daily work output was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in those with higher body weight and lean body weight. The rate of work was also higher in the higher body weight group.