Energy Cost of Dishwashing Activity Performed by Women of Different Heights at Different Sink Base Heights

Energy cost of dishwashing activity was measured on selected women of different height categories, viz., 152.4–157.5 cms, 157.5–162.7 cms, 162.7–167.6 cms, respectively at different sink base heights, viz, 61 cms, 68 cms, 75cms. Energy cost was calculated from the percentage of 02 utilized by using the formula viz., energy expenditure=%02 retained (U sq.m/min) x 4.86. Results showed that energy cost was minimum when dishes were washed at 61 cms. sink base height by short height women (152.4–157.5 cms) at 68 cms sink base height by medium height women (157.5–162.7 cms) and at 75 cms sink base height by tail height women (162.7–167.6 cms). It was further observed that 68 cms. sink base height can suit to maximum number of women. Two regression equations (given below) were derived on the basis of the height and elbow height of the women, which can be used to calculate the exact sink base height for washing dishes for the women of any height or any elbow height.

1 Sink base height= -164.71 + 3.73 x height of the women.

2 Sink base height= -90.54 + 4.08x elbow height of the women.