Best Practice Methods to Apply to Measurement of Resting Metabolic Rate in Adults: A Systematic Review
Press enter key for correspondence information
Press enter key to Email the authorTo view the full text, please login as a subscribed user or purchase a subscription. Click here to view the full text on ScienceDirect.
Figure 1
Search strategy summary for electronic search of literature regarding metabolic rate and indirect calorimetry. Limitations placed on all searches were publication date (January 1, 1980 to March 1, 2003, with the exception of Search 9, where date was extended to March 2004), language (English), population (adults aged ≥19 y), and subjects (human).
Figure 2
Research design quality rating checklist for literature regarding metabolic rate and indirect calorimetry.
Figure 3
Resting metabolic rate measurement method search terms and accepted study description, for literature regarding metabolic rate and indirect calorimetry.
Figure 3
Resting metabolic rate measurement method search terms and accepted study description, for literature regarding metabolic rate and indirect calorimetry.
Figure 4
Evidence-based guidelines for measurement of resting metabolic rate with indirect calorimetry.
Abstract
Several factors may alter apparent resting metabolic rate (RMR) during measurement with indirect calorimetry. Likewise, numerous indirect calorimetry measurement protocols have been developed over the years, and the methodology employed could influence test results. As part of a larger project to determine the role of indirect calorimetry in clinical practice, a systematic review of the literature was undertaken to determine the ideal subject condition and test methodology for obtaining reliable measurement of RMR with indirect calorimetry. Food, ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine affect RMR for a variable number of hours after consumption; therefore, intake of these items must be controlled before measurement. Activities of daily living increase metabolic rate, but a short rest (≤20 minutes) before testing is sufficient for the effect to dissipate. Moderate or vigorous physical activity has a longer carryover effect and therefore must be controlled in the hours before a measurement of RMR is attempted. Limited data were found regarding ideal ambient conditions for RMR testing. Measurement duration of 10 minutes with the first 5 minutes deleted and the remaining 5 minutes having a coefficient of variation <10% gave accurate readings of RMR. Individuals preparing for RMR measurement via indirect calorimetry should refrain from eating, consuming ethanol and nicotine, smoking, and engaging in physical activity for varying times before measurement. The test site should be physically comfortable and the individual should have 10 to 20 minutes to rest before measurement commences. A 10-minute test duration with the first 5 minutes discarded and the remaining 5 minutes having a coefficient of variation of <10% will give an accurate measure of RMR.
To access this article, please choose from the options below
Purchase access to this article
Claim Access
If you are a current subscriber with Society Membership or an Account Number, claim your access now.
Subscribe to this title
Purchase a subscription to gain access to this and all other articles in this journal.
Institutional Access
Visit ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
