Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a Metabolic Equivalent (MET)?

The ratio at which a person expends energy relative to their mass while performing an activity, set by convention at 3.5 mL of O2 per kg per minute.

What is 1 MET equal to?

3.5 ml/kg/min

What is the MET value for walking slowly at home or office?

2.0

What is the MET value range for walking at 3 mph?

3.0-4.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value range for walking at 4 mph?

4.5-7.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for jogging at 5 mph?

8.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for running at 7 mph?

11.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET range for moderate activity?

3.0-6.0 METs Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET range for vigorous activity?

<blockquote> 6.0 METs </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for driving a car?

1.0-2.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for bathing?

2.0-3.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for cooking?

2.0-3.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value range for carrying or stacking wood?

5.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for power lawn mowing?

5.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the MET value for shoveling?

7.0 Signup and view all the answers

The primary use of metabolic equivalents for therapists is?

Prescribe exercise intensity Signup and view all the answers

How many metabolic equivalents (METs) does the first stage of the Bruce protocol require?

5 METs Signup and view all the answers

What level of exercise intensity is most appropriate for a patient nearing discharge from inpatient cardiac rehabilitation?

3-4 METs Signup and view all the answers

When calculating energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents, which variables must be considered? (Select all that apply)

Duration of activity (min) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Overview

MET expresses energy expenditure relative to body weight, defined as oxygen consumption in mL/kg/min.
Standard MET is calculated at 3.5 mL of O2 per kg per minute, corresponding to resting metabolic rate.
The energy cost of activities is derived by dividing their relative oxygen cost by 3.5.

MET Values for Various Activities

Light activities range from 1.0 to 2.5 METs:
- Toileting and driving a car (1.0-2.0 METs)
- Working at a desk (1.5 METs)
- Playing cards or arts and crafts (1.5 METs)
- Fishing while sitting (2.5 METs)
Moderate activities fall between 3.0 and 6.0 METs:
- Slow walking at home or office (2.0 METs)
- Walking 3 mph (3.0-4.0 METs)
- Washing windows or car (3.0 METs)
- Light gardening (3.0-4.0 METs)
- Swimming (4.0-8.0 METs)
Vigorous activities exceed 6.0 METs:
- Jogging at 5 mph (8.0 METs)
- Running at 7 mph (11.5 METs)
- Shoveling (7.0 METs)
- Heavy farm work (8.0 METs)
- Basketball games (8.0 METs)

Specific MET Values for Common Activities

Cooking and bathing: 2.0-3.0 METs
Carrying heavy loads: 7.5 METs
Power lawn mowing and carrying/stacking wood: 5.5 METs
Deep cleaning activities, such as sweeping and vacuuming, register around 3.0-3.5 METs.

Exercise Intensity Guidelines

Moderate activity is defined by a MET range of 3.0-6.0 (3.5-7 kcal/min).
Vigorous activity is characterized by more than 6.0 METs (>7 kcal/min).
Exercise intensity recommendations for patients nearing discharge from cardiac rehab should be 3-4 METs.

Important Calculations

Energy expenditure using METs requires consideration of:
- Weight of the patient in kg.
- Duration of the activity in minutes.

Exercise Protocols

The Bruce protocol’s initial stage necessitates approximately 5 METs to assess cardiovascular fitness.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of Metabolic Equivalent (MET), which defines energy expenditure in relation to body weight. Participants will learn about various MET values for different activities, ranging from light to vigorous. Understanding these values is crucial for assessing physical activity levels and energy costs.