MET Values of Common Physical Activities
driving a car
1.0-2.0
toileting
1.0-2.0
playing cards, arts, and crafts
1.5
working at a computer or desk
1.5
bicycling (flat) 14-16 mph
10.0
running 7 mph
11.5
Walking slowly at home or office
2.0
making bed, washing dishes
2.0
playing musical instrument
2.0-2.5
bathing
2.0-3.0
cooking
2.0-3.0
Fishing (sitting)
2.5
Which level of exercise intensity would be the most appropriate for a patient who is nearing discharge from inpatient cardiac rehabilitation?
3
Moderate
3-6 METs
slow dancing
3.0
washing windows or car
3.0
sweeping, vacuuming
3.0-3.5
light gardening
3.0-4.0
walking 3 mph
3.0-4.0
table tennis
4.0
sexual intercourse
4.0-5.0
golf (walking)
4.0-7.0
swimming
4.0-8.0
basketball shooting around
4.5
fast dancing
4.5
walking 4 mph
4.5-7.0
tennis doubles
5.0
backpacking
5.0-11.0
carrying, stacking wood
5.5
power lawn mowing
5.5
bicycling (flat) 10-12 mph
6.0
walking 4.5 mph
6.3
shoveling
7.0
carrying heavy loads
7.5
basketball game
8.0
bicycling (flat) 12-14 mph
8.0
heavy farm work
8.0
jogging 5 mph
8.0
digging ditches
9.5
Light
<3 METs
Vigorous
>6 METs
What standardized measurement refers to the amount of oxygen consumed at rest by the average person?
MET Equivalent
METS are used to prescribe
exercise intensity
What is a MET
is a physiological measure expressing the energy cost of physical activities and is defined as the ratio of metabolic rate (and therefore the rate of energy consumption) during a specific physical activity to a reference metabolic rate, set by convention to 3.5 ml O2·kg−1·min−1 or the rate of energy produced per unit surface area of an average person seated at rest One metabolic equivalent is equal to 3.5 milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. Therefore, when calculating energy expenditure, both the patient's weight and the duration of the activity would need to be considered.
15-20 METs
maximal aerobic capacity for highly trained men and women
8-12 METs
maximal aerobic capacity for men and women
5-8 METs
maximal aerobic capacity for older men and women
<3.5 METs
walking 3 mph on a level, firm surface is approx. 3.5 METS. -a maximal aerobic capacity of 3 METs is likely associated c significant pathology or illness
