Description

The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) is a unit of measurement used to express the intensity of a physical activity relative to the resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as the amount of energy expended at rest and specifically equals 1.0 kcal/kg/h (kilocalories per kilogram of body weight per hour).
The use of METs helps estimate energy expenditure for different activities and allows for the comparison of physical activity intensity between individuals or activities.

Analysis

The MET scale is analyzed based on:
Activity Intensity: The activity performed in multiples of MET corresponds to the total energy consumed. For example, an activity requiring 4 METs consumes four times more energy than resting.
Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness: The MET scale is used to evaluate cardiorespiratory capacity, as higher MET values typically indicate higher intensity and greater physical endurance.
Evaluation of Physical Activity: It is used in research and clinical studies to monitor physical activity and its effects on health.

Objective

The primary goals of the MET system are:
Measuring Energy: To provide a standardized unit for the energy consumed during various physical activities.
Assessing Physical Fitness: To help estimate an individual’s physical condition and cardiorespiratory capacity.
Guiding Health Interventions: To be incorporated into exercise programs and health interventions aimed at improving physical fitness and well-being.

Scoring

The calibration of MET involves:
Activity Logging: Recording activities in METs, typically through physical activity questionnaires or ergometric tests.
Energy Expenditure Calculation: Estimating total energy consumption by multiplying the number of METs by body weight and the duration of the activity.
Intensity Comparison: Comparing MET values across different activities to assess intensity and energy expenditure.

References

Ainsworth, B. E., Haskell, W. L., Herrmann, S. D., Meckes, N., Bassett, D. R., Tudor-Locke, C., Greer, J. L., Vezina, J., & V. S. (2011). Compendium of Physical Activities: A second update of codes and MET values. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(8), 1575–1581.
Morris, J. N., & Hardman, A. E. (1997). Walking to health. Sports Medicine, 23(5), 306–332.
Swain, D. P., & Franklin, B. A. (2006). Comparison of cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to exercise in patients with coronary artery disease. American Journal of Cardiology, 98(4), 575–580.