Metabolic Equivalents (MET Values)
1 MET is equal to...
*3.5 ml/kg/min* (3.5 ml of O2 per kg body weight / minute)
Metabolic Equivalent (MET) - definition
- The ratio or *rate at which a person expends energy*, relative to the mass of that person, while performing some specific activity compared to a reference; set by convention at *3.5 mL of O2 per kg per minute* - The amount of oxygen consumed while *sitting at rest* - Used to express the *energy cost* of physical activities as a multiple of "resting metabolic rate" - The energy cost of an activity can be determined by dividing the relative oxygen cost of the activity by 3.5
When calculating energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents, which of the following variables must be considered? (2)
- Weight of patient (kg) - Duration of activity (min)
MET value - driving a car
1.0-2.0
MET value - toileting
1.0-2.0
MET value - playing cards, arts and crafts
1.5
MET value - working at a computer or desk
1.5
MET value - bicycling (flat) 14-16 mph
10.0
MET value - running 7 mph
11.5
MET value - making bed, washing dishes
2.0
MET value - walking slowly at home or office
2.0
MET value - playing musical instrument
2.0-2.5
MET value - bathing
2.0-3.0
MET value - cooking
2.0-3.0
MET value - 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?
3-4 METs (e.g. walking in hallway, climbing up/down a flight of stairs)
MET value - slow dancing
3.0
MET value - washing windows or car
3.0
MET value - sweeping, vacuuming
3.0-3.5
MET value - light gardening
3.0-4.0
MET value - walking 3 mph
3.0-4.0
MET range for *moderate* activity
3.0-6.0 METs (3.5-7 kcal/min)
MET value - table tennis
4.0
MET value - sexual intercourse
4.0-5.0
MET value - golf (walking)
4.0-7.0
MET value - swimming
4.0-8.0
MET value - basketball shooting around
4.5
MET value - fast dancing
4.5
MET value - walking 4 mph
4.5-7.0
The first stage of the Bruce protocol requires roughly how many metabolic equivalents (METs)?
5 METs
MET value - tennis doubles
5.0
MET value - backpacking
5.0-11.0
MET value - carrying or stacking wood
5.5
MET value - power lawn mowing
5.5
MET value - bicycling (flat) at 10-12 mph
6.0
MET value - walking 4.5 mph
6.3
MET value - shoveling
7.0
MET value - carrying heavy loads
7.5
MET value - basketball game
8.0
MET value - bicycling (flat) 12-14 mph
8.0
MET value - heavy farm work
8.0
MET value - jogging 5 mph
8.0
MET value - digging ditches
9.5
MET range for *vigorous* activity
>6.0 METS (>7 kcal/min)
The primary use of metabolic equivalents for therapists is:
Prescribe exercise intensity
