ABSTRACT

Efficiency is often stated as a component of the performance model for a variety of competitive or high-level physical activities. Measurement of true efficiency during human exercise requires assessment of the external work performed and direct measurement of the energy expenditure associated with the task. For human exertion, direct measurement of energy expenditure is impractical, thus energy expenditure is typically estimated from expired air analysis data and the term economy is substituted for efficiency. This chapter will review concepts and related research relative to assessment of economy during high-level rock climbing.