Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:front:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
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Character Range: 40419–44103

do but which results in angina, breathlessness, or some other cardiorespiratory symptom.

Symptoms that occur while an activity is performed are not necessarily a result of the energy expenditure occasioned by the activity. Many specific activities can be performed in a way that would mean that they were no longer examples of the METs level in which they are placed in Table 1.1. For example, while driving a car sedately is an example of 2–3 METs, driving a car in a Grand Prix is not.

Estimations of exercise tolerance above the 6-7 METs level should only be made using exercise tests. The activities above the 6-7 METs level are listed for information only.

TABLE 1.1

CARDIORESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT: ACTIVITY LEVELS

(with energy expenditure in METs)
1-2 METs  Energy expended at rest or minimal activity

               Lying down.
               Sitting and drinking tea.
               Using sewing machine (electric).
               Sitting down.
               Sitting and talking on telephone.
               Travelling in car as passenger.
               Standing.
               Sitting and knitting.
               Playing cards.
               Strolling (slowly).
               Light sweeping.
               Clerical work (desk work only).
2–3 METs  Energy expanded in dressing, washing and performing light household duties

               Light household duties.
               Walking slowly (3.5 km/h).
               Playing piano, violin, or organ.
               Typing.
               Cooking or preparing meals.
               Playing billiards.
               Clerical work which involves moving around.
               Setting table.
               Driving power boat.
               Washing dishes.
               Playing golf (with power buggy).
               Bench assembly work (seated).
               Dressing, showering.
               Horseback riding at walk.
               Using self-propelled mower.
               Light tidying, dusting.
               Lawn bowls.
               Polishing silver.
               Driving car.
3–4 METs  Energy expended in walking at an average pace

               Walking at average walking pace (5 km/h).
               Golf (pulling buggy).
               Machine assembly.
               Cleaning car (excludes vigorous polishing).
               Minor car repairs.
               Tidying house.
               Welding.
               Cleaning windows.
               Table tennis.
               Pushing light power mower over flat suburban lawn at slow steady pace
               Vacuuming.
               Sedate cycling (10 km/h)
               Shifting chairs.
               Light gardening (weeding and water).
               Hanging out washing.
               Making bed.
4–5 METs  Moderate activity: encompasses more strenuous daily activities with the exclusion of manual labour and vigorous exercise

               Mopping floors.
               Golf (carrying bag).
               Light carpentry (eg, chiselling, hammering).
               Scrubbing floors.
               Ballroom dancing.
               Beating carpets.
               Tennis doubles (social, non-competitive).
               Stocking shelves with light objects.
               Polishing furniture.
               Wallpapering.
               Shopping and carrying groceries (10 kg).
               Gentle swimming.
               Painting outside of house.
               Hoeing (soft soil).
               Stacking firewood.
5–6 METs  Heavy exercise: manual labour or vigorous sports

               Walking 6.5 km/h (sustained brisk walk, discomfort in