Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-j824f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-19T10:05:35.978Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Measurement of energy expenditure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

James A Levine
James A Levine*
Affiliation:
Mayo Clinic, Endocrine Research Unit, 5–194 Joseph, 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
*
*Corresponding author: Email [email protected]
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Measurement of energy expenditure in humans is required to assess metabolic needs, fuel utilisation, and the relative thermic effect of different food, drink, drug and emotional components. Indirect and direct calorimetric and non-calorimetric methods for measuring energy expenditure are reviewed, and their relative value for measurement in the laboratory and field settings is assessed. Where high accuracy is required and sufficient resources are available, an open-circuit indirect calorimeter can be used. Open-circuit indirect calorimeters can employ a mask, hood, canopy or room/chamber for collection of expired air. For short-term measurements, mask, hood or canopy systems suffice. Chamber-based systems are more accurate for the long-term measurement of specified activity patterns but behaviour constraints mean they do not reflect real life. Where resources are limited and/or optimum precision can be sacrificed, flexible total collection systems and non-calorimetric methods are potentially useful if the limitations of these methods are appreciated. The use of the stable isotope technique, doubly labelled water, enables total daily energy expenditure to be measured accurately in free-living subjects. The factorial method for combining activity logs and data on the energy costs of activities can also provide detailed information on free-living subjects.

Keywords

Total energy expenditureCalorimetryDoubly labelled waterThermogenesisBasal metabolic rateAccelerometersHear rate monitors
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 8 , Issue 7a , October 2005 , pp. 1123 - 1132
Copyright
Copyright © The Author 2005

References

1Cunningham, JJ. Calculation of energy expenditure from indirect calorimetry: assessment of the Weir equation. Nutrition 1990; 6(3): 222–3.Google Scholar
2Weir, JB. New methods for calculating metabolic rate with special reference to protein metabolism. Nutrition 1949; 6(3): 213–21.Google Scholar
3Tissot, J. Nouvelle methode de mesure et d'inscription du debit et des movements respiratories de l'homme et des animaux. Journal of Physiology and Pathology General 1904; 6: 688–700.Google Scholar
4Lum, L, Saville, A, Venkataraman, ST. Accuracy of physiologic deadspace measurement in intubated pediatric patients using a metabolic monitor: comparison with the Douglas bag method. Critical Care Medicine 1998; 26(4): 760–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5de Groot, G, Schreurs, AW, van Ingen Schenau, G. A portable lightweight Douglas bag instrument for use during various types of exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine 1983; 4(2): 132–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6Yoshida, T, Nagata, A, Muro, M, Takeuchi, N, Suda, Y. The validity of anaerobic threshold determination by a Douglas bag method compared with arterial blood lactate concentration. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 1981; 46(4): 423–30.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7Douglas, CG. A method for determining the total respiratory exchange in man. The Journal of Physiology 1911; 42: 17–18.Google Scholar
8Daniels, J. Portable respiratory gas collection equipment. Journal of Applied Physiology 1971; 31(1): 164–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9Levine, JA, Schleusner, SJ, Jensen, MD. Energy expenditure of non-exercise activity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000; 72(6): 1451–4.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10Sorkin, B, Rapoport, DM, Falk, DB, Goldring, RM. Canopy ventilation monitor for quantitative measurement of ventilation during sleep. Journal of Applied Physiology 1980; 48(4): 724–30.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11Kinney, JM. Indirect calorimetry in malnutrition: nutritional assessment or therapeutic reference? Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 1987; 11(Suppl 5): S90–S4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12Weissman, C, Damask, MC, Askanazi, J, Rosenbaum, SH, Kinney, JM. Evaluation of a non-invasive method for the measurement of metabolic rate in humans. Clinical Science 1985; 69(2): 135–41.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
13Wilmore, JH, Davis, JA, Norton, AC. An automated system for assessing metabolic and respiratory function during exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology 1976; 40(4): 619–24.Google Scholar
14Sun, M, Hill, JO. A method for measuring mechanical work and work efficiency during human activities. Journal of Biomechanics 1993; 26(3): 229–41.Google Scholar
15Sun, M, Reed, GW, Hill, JO. Modification of a whole room indirect calorimeter for measurement of rapid changes in energy expenditure. Journal of Applied Physiology 1994; 76(6): 2686–91.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
16Sestoft, L. Metabolic aspects of the calorigenic effect of thyroid hormone in mammals. Clinical Endocrinology 1980; 13(5): 489–506.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
17Dallosso, HM, James, WP. Whole-body calorimetry studies in adult men. The interaction of exercise and over-feeding on the thermic effect of a meal. British Journal of Nutrition 1984; 52(1): 65–72.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
18Sujatha, T, Shatrugna, V, Venkataramana, Y, Begum, N. Energy expenditure on household, childcare and occupational activities of women from urban poor households. British Journal of Nutrition 2000; 83(5): 497–503.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
19Consolazio, CF. Energy expenditure studies in military populations using Kofranyi-Michaelis respirometers. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1971; 24(12): 1431–7.Google Scholar
20Rietjens, GJ, Kuipers, H, Kester, AD, Keizer, HA. Validation of a computerized metabolic measurement system (Oxycon-Pro) during low and high intensity exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine 2001; 22(4): 291–4.Google Scholar
21McLaughlin, JE, King, GA, Howley, ET, Bassett, DR Jr, Ainsworth, BE. Validation of the COSMED K4 b2 portable metabolic system. International Journal of Sports Medicine 2001; 22(4): 280–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
22Blaxter, KL, Brockway, JM, Boyne, AW. A new method for estimating the heat production of animals. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology and Cognate Medical Sciences 1972; 57(1): 60–72.Google Scholar
23Aulick, LH, Arnhold, H, Hander, EH, Mason, AD Jr. A new open and closed respiration chamber. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology 1983; 68(3): 351–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
24Benedict, FG. An apparatus for studying the respiratory exchange. The American Journal of Physiology 1909; 24: 345–74.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
25Spinnler, G, Jequier, E, Favre, R, Dolivo, M, Vannotti, A. Human calorimeter with a new type of gradient layer. Journal of Applied Physiology 1973; 35(1): 158–65.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
26Webster, JD, Welsh, G, Pacy, P, Garrow, JS. Description of a human direct calorimeter, with a note on the energy cost of clerical work. British Journal of Nutrition 1986; 55(1): 1–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
27Webb, P, Annis, JF, Troutman, SJ Jr. Energy balance in man measured by direct and indirect calorimetry. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1980; 33(6): 1287–98.Google Scholar
28Tschegg, E, Sigmund, A, Veitl, V, Schmid, P, Irsigler, K. An isothermic, gradient-free, whole-body calorimeter for long-term investigations of energy balance in man. Metabolism 1979; 28(7): 764–70.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
29Snellen, JW. An improved estimation of mean body temperature using combined direct calorimetry and thermometry. European Journal of Applied Physiology 2000; 82(3): 188–96.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
30Snellen, JW, Chang, KS, Smith, W. Technical description and performance characteristics of a human whole-body calorimeter. Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing 1983; 21(1): 9–20.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
31Black, AE, Coward, WA, Cole, TJ, Prentice, AM. Human energy expenditure in affluent societies: an analysis of 574 doubly-labelled water measurements. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1996; 50(2): 72–92.Google ScholarPubMed
32Coward, WA, Roberts, SB, Cole, TJ. Theoretical and practical considerations in the doubly labelled water (2H2(18)O) method for the measurement of carbon dioxide production rate in man. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1988; 42(3): 207–12.Google Scholar
33Coward, WA. Contributions of the doubly labelled water method to studies of energy balance in the Third World. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1988; 68(4): S962–S9.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
34Goran, MI, Poehlman, ET, Nair, KS, Danforth, E. Deuterium exchange in humans: effect of gender, body composition and age. Basic Life Sciences 1993; 60(3): 79–81.Google ScholarPubMed
35Kurpad, AV, Borgonha, S, Shetty, PS. Measurement of total energy expenditure by the doubly labelled water technique in free living Indians in Bangalore city. The Indian Journal of Medical Research 1997; 105: 212–19.Google ScholarPubMed
36Schoeller, DA, Taylor, PB. Precision of the doubly labelled water method using the two-point calculation. Human Nutrition: Clinical Nutrition 1987; 41(3): 215–23.Google ScholarPubMed
37Dauncey, MJ, James, WP. Assessment of the heart-rate method for determining energy expenditure in man, using a whole-body calorimeter. British Journal of Nutrition 1979; 42(1): 1–13.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
38Baker, JA, Humphrey, SJ, Wolff, HS. Socially acceptable monitoring instruments (SAMI). The Journal of Physiology 1967; 188(2): 4P–5P.Google ScholarPubMed
39Bruce, FM, Floyd, WF, Ward, JS. Oxygen consumption and heart rate during stair climbing. The Journal of Physiology 1967; 191(2): 90P–2P.Google ScholarPubMed
40Rennie, KL, Hennings, SJ, Mitchell, J, Wareham, NJ. Estimating energy expenditure by heart-rate monitoring without individual calibration. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2001; 33(6): 939–45.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
41Beghin, L, Budniok, T, Vaksman, G, Boussard-Delbecque, L, Michaud, L, Turck, D, Gottrand, F. Simplification of the method of assessing daily and nightly energy expenditure in children, using heart rate monitoring calibrated against open-circuit indirect calorimetry. Clinical Nutrition 2000; 19(6): 425–35.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
42Kashiwazaki, H. Heart rate monitoring as a field method for estimating energy expenditure as evaluated by the doubly labelled water method. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 1999; 45(1): 79–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
43Maffeis, C, Pinelli, L, Zaffanello, M, Schena, F, Iacumin, P, Schutz, Y. Daily energy expenditure in free-living conditions in obese and non-obese children: comparison of doubly labelled water (2H2(18)O) method and heart-rate monitoring. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders: Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 1995; 19(9): 671–7.Google Scholar
44Ceesay, SM, Prentice, AM, Day, KC, Murgatroyd, PR, Goldberg, GR, Scott, W, Spurr, GB. The use of heart rate monitoring in the estimation of energy expenditure: a validation study using indirect whole-body calorimetry. British Journal of Nutrition 1989; 61(2): 175–86.Google Scholar
45Kalkwarf, HJ, Haas, JD, Belko, AZ, Roach, RC, Roe, DA. Accuracy of heart-rate monitoring and activity diaries for estimating energy expenditure. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1989; 49(1): 37–43.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
46Seliger, V, Dolejs, L, Karas, V. A dynamometric comparison of maximum eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions using emg and energy expenditure measurements. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology 1980; 45(2–3): 235–44.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
47deVries, HA, Burke, RK, Hopper, RT, Sloan, JH. Relationship of resting EMG level to total body metabolism with reference to the origin of 'tissue noise'. American Journal of Physical Medicine 1976; 55(3): 139–47.Google Scholar
48Young, BA, Fenton, TW, McLean, JA. Calibration methods in respiratory calorimetry. Journal of Applied Physiology 1984; 56(4): 1120–5.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
49Malhotra, MS, Ramaswamy, SS, Joseph, NT, Sen Gupta, J. Functional capacity and body composition of different classes of Indian athletes. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 1972; 16(4): 301–8.Google ScholarPubMed
50Levine, JA, Pavlidis, I, Cooper, M. The face of fear. Lancet 2001; 357: 1757.Google Scholar
51Shuran, M, Nelson, RA. Quantitation of energy expenditure by infrared thermography. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1991; 53(6): 1361–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
52 University UN. Research Methods in Nutritional Anthropology, 1989.Google Scholar
53Morio, B, Beaufrere, B, Montaurier, C, Verdier, E, Ritz, P, Fellmann, N, Boirie, Y, Vermorel, M. Gender differences in energy expended during activities and in daily energy expenditure of elderly people. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism 1997; 273: E321–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
54Banerjee, B, Khew, KS, Saha, N. A comparative study of energy expenditure in some common daily activities of non-pregnant and pregnant Chinese, Malay and Indian women. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth 1971; 78(2): 113–16.Google Scholar
55Ferro-Luzzi, A, Scaccini, C, Taffese, S, Aberra, B, Demeke, T. Seasonal energy deficiency in Ethiopian rural women. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1990; 44(Suppl. 1): 7–18.Google ScholarPubMed
56Schutz, Y, Ravussin, E, Diethelm, R, Jequier, E. Spontaneous physical activity measured by radar in obese and control subject studied in a respiration chamber. International Journal of Obesity 1982; 6(1): 23–8.Google Scholar
57Mayer, J. Physical activity and anthropometric measurements of obese adolescents. Federation Proceedings 1966; 25(1): 11–14.Google ScholarPubMed
58Gretebeck, RJ, Montoye, HJ. Variability of some objective measures of physical activity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1992; 24(10): 1167–72.Google Scholar
59Bassett, DR Jr, Ainsworth, BE, Swartz, AM, Strath, SJ, O'Brien, WL, King, GA. Validity of four motion sensors in measuring moderate intensity physical activity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2000; 32(Suppl. 9): S471–80.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
60Melanson, EL Jr, Freedson, PS. Validity of the computer science and applications, Inc. (CSA) activity monitor. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1995; 27(6): 934–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
61Pambianco, G, Wing, RR, Robertson, R. Accuracy and reliability of the Caltrac accelerometer for estimating energy expenditure. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1990; 22(6): 858–62.Google Scholar
62Bouten, CV, Westerterp, KR, Verduin, M, Janssen, JD. Assessment of energy expenditure for physical activity using a triaxial accelerometer. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1994; 26(12): 1516–23.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
63Westerterp, KR, Bouten, CV. Physical activity assessment: comparison between movement registration and doubly labelled water method. Zeitschrift fur Ernahrungswissenschaft 1997; 36(4): 263–7.Google Scholar
64Levine, JA, Baukol, PA, Westerterp, KR. Validation of the Tracmor triaxial accelerometer system for walking. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2001; 33(9): 1593–7.Google Scholar
65Bouten, CV, Verboeket-van de Venne, WP, Westerterp, KR, Verduin, M, Janssen, JD. Daily physical activity assessment: comparison between movement registration and doubly labelled water. Journal of Applied Physiology 1996; 81(2): 1019–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
66FAO/WHO. Energy and Protein Requirements. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Ad Hoc Expert Committee. FAO Nutrition meetings Report Series, No. 52, Rome: FAO, 1973; WHO Technical Report Series, No. 522, Geneva: WHO, 1973.Google Scholar