What does "metabolic cost" refer to in biomechanics?

Metabolic cost in biomechanics refers to the amount of energy consumed during physical activity. This concept is vital as it encompasses the energy expenditure associated with various physical activities, such as running, walking, or performing strength exercises. Understanding metabolic cost helps researchers and practitioners assess the efficiency of movement, train individuals effectively, and develop strategies for enhancing athletic performance while minimizing fatigue.

The other options describe aspects related to energy expenditure, such as total calories burned during a workout, the energy required for muscle recovery, and energy used for thermoregulation (maintaining body temperature), but they do not precisely define the metabolic cost itself, which focuses specifically on the energy used during physical exertion.