Test Your Knowledge on METs

Calculations and Formulas

• One MET (metabolic equivalent of task) is equivalent to an oxygen consumption of 3.5 mL/kg/min
• VO2reserve is calculated as VO2max - VO2rest
• Heart rate reserve (HR Reserve) is calculated as HRmax - HRrest
• Exercise intensity using the % HR reserve method (Karvonen) is calculated as (HRexercise - HRrest) / (HRmax - HRrest) × 100
• Exercise capacity using the Bruce protocol is calculated as total exercise time (minutes) × 1.44 + 14.8

Exercise Testing and Intensity

• Light physical activity is considered to be 1.5-2.4 METs
• The Bruce protocol is a type of graded exercise test that is better suited for patients with heart disease
• The Åstrand test is used to predict VO2max based on age, weight, sex, and time
• The Rockport test is used to predict VO2max based on distance, weight, age, height, and rate-pressure product

Test Termination and Response

• A test should be stopped if diastolic blood pressure (DBP) exceeds 120 mmHg
• One indication to stop a test is if the subject experiences leg pain or cramping
• The expected response for HR during a submax test is an increase in HR that levels off at a steady-state
• A normal response for HR during a submax test is an increase in HR that levels off at a steady-state
• An abnormal recovery for blood pressure is a failure to return to within 10 mmHg of resting value within 5 minutes
• An abnormal peak HR during a test is less than 85% of the predicted maximum HR