Int J Sports Med 2017; 38(12): 890-896
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-115739
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Standardized MET Value Underestimates the Energy Cost of Treadmill Running in Men

Helouane M. Ázara
1   Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Paulo T. V. Farinatti
2   Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3   Post-Graduate Program in Exercise Science and Sports, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4   Post-Graduate Program in Physical Activity Sciences, Salgado de Oliveira University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Adrian W. Midgley
5   Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
Fabrício Vasconcellos
2   Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3   Post-Graduate Program in Exercise Science and Sports, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Patrícia Vigário
1   Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Felipe A. Cunha
1   Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2   Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3   Post-Graduate Program in Exercise Science and Sports, University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Publikationsverlauf



accepted 27. Juni 2017

Publikationsdatum:
26. September 2017 (online)

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to compare the reference metabolic equivalent (MET) value and observed resting oxygen uptake (VO2) for defining cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and characterizing the energy cost of treadmill running. A heterogeneous cohort of 114 healthy men volunteered to participate. In Part 1 of the study, 114 men [mean±SD, age: 24±5 years; height: 177.1±7.9 cm; body mass: 75.0±10.0 kg] visited the laboratory twice for assessment of resting and maximal VO2 values to compare the reference MET value vs. observed resting VO2 and to investigate the association between resting VO2 and VO2max. In Part 2, 14 of the 114 men visited the laboratory once more to perform a 30-min bout of running at 8.0 km∙h−1/8.3 METs. The mean observed resting VO2 of 3.26 mL·kg−1·min−1 was lower than the reference MET value of 3.5 mL·kg−1·min−1 (P<0.001). Resting and maximal VO2 values relative to total body mass and fat-free mass were positively correlated (R=0.71 and 0.60, respectively; P<0.001). The maximal MET and energy cost of treadmill running were consequently underestimated when calculated using the reference MET value only for those with low VO2max (P=0.005 to P<0.001). In conclusion, the reference MET value considerably overestimated observed resting VO2 in men with low VO2max, resulting in underestimations of the maximal MET, exercise intensity prescription, and the energy cost of running.

 
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