Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Overview

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.