Metabolic cost of head-stand posture

Abstract

Metabolic cost to the human body of various postures has been assessed by many workers. The cost with the body in the topsy-turvy posture, or while “standing on the head,” has not been reported so far. Energy expenditure was calculated indirectly by estimating the amount of oxygen consumed while in a particular posture. A Benedict-type recording spirometer was used for this purpose. The subjects were six healthy medical students. The mean cost of standing on the head was determined to be 336 ml, or 1.62 kcal/min, and that of “suspension by the feet” to be 300 ml, or 1.44 kcal/min. The possible causes of increased consumption in relation to the “standing erect” posture are discussed. Submitted on May 26, 1961