Difference of pulse in the horizontal and vertical positions should not exceed 15 beats; and in strong hearts the rate is just the same.
For the proper completion of this examination it is most essential that all of the endurance tests should be made.
Hopping Test.—Heart is counted with the stethoscope at apex during four consecutive 15-second periods immediately after hopping. Note per cent. of increase from normal during first 15-second period; second, per cent. of recovery from first 15-second period to fourth 15-second period.
The ratings are as follows: I. For good heredity, personal history, and good present condition, 10 per cent.; II. Normal condition of heart and circulatory system, 10 per cent.; III. Normal conditions of lungs and chest development, 10 per cent.; IV. Good condition of digestive system, 10 per cent.; V. Normal condition of kidneys, 10 per cent.; VI. Normal condition of nervous system, 10 per cent.; VII. Normal condition of generative organs, 10 per cent.; Normal condition of muscular system, 10 per cent.; Tests of endurance, normal, 5 per cent.; Normal ocular and aural tests, 5 per cent.; Normal working efficiency, 10 per cent. Making for the normal total of physical efficiency 100 per cent.
No applicant should be passed who falls below 7.5 per cent. in any one group of tests, or who falls below 75 per cent. on the entire examination.
This medical blank was made to gauge as accurately as possible the physical condition of women, on which their working efficiency depends. While we cannot measure the strength and adaptability of the heart and blood-vessels with the same degree of accuracy as height, weight, and chest measurements, yet with the physical examination and the tests of endurance we can make a very fair estimate. And we are entirely dependent for the history of heredity, personal history, and that of the digestive and nervous systems upon the woman herself; but the history of the present condition at least can be to a great extent verified or annulled by the physical examination and by the present condition.
By the quickness and conciseness with which the questions are answered; the woman’s posture when she does not realize that it is being studied; her movements as she goes from one test to another and the way she conducts herself throughout this very rigid physical examination, which working under high pressure with the aid of a stenographer and office nurse, takes one hour to complete; one can judge pretty accurately of her working efficiency.
The applicants should be graded into four classes:
Class A. Those having an excellent record in all tests.
Class B. Those having a good average record and no poor record in any test.