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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Western Human Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181571
Title: BEST PRACTICE METHODS TO APPLY TO MEASUREMENT OF RESTING METABOLIC RATE, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author
item COMPHER, CHARLENE - UNIV.PENN., PHIL.PA
item FRANKENFIELD, DAVID - MILTON S. HERSHEY MED.CNT
item Keim, Nancy
item ROTH-YOUSEY, LORI - DIETITIAN, N. BRANCH MN

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/20/2005
Publication Date: 5/1/2006
Citation: Compher, C., Frankenfield, D., Keim, N.L., Roth-Yousey, L. Best practice methods to apply to measurement of resting metabolic rate, a systematic review. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association. 106:881-903, 2006.

Interpretive Summary: The determination of daily caloric need is a key component of nutrition assessment and necessary for helping individuals attain and maintain a healthy body weight. Caloric need is measured using the classic technique of indirect calorimetry – the measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production by the body. This manuscript represents a comprehensive, systematic review outlining the most accurate way to measure resting metabolic rate, the primary indicator of daily caloric need. The material covers the processes to be followed by individuals being measured to assure a resting state and those to be applied by the operator conducting the test procedure. Specific recommendations for standardizing the procedure and obtaining accurate measures are made for healthy subjects and those with special clinical considerations.

Technical 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 hr after consumption and so intake of these items must be controlled prior to measurement. Activities of daily living increase metabolic rate but a short rest (<20 min) prior to testing is sufficient for the effect to dissipate. Moderate or vigorous physical activity has a longer carry-over effect and therefore must be controlled in the hr before a measurement of RMR is attempted. Limited data were found regarding ideal ambient conditions for RMR testing. Measurement duration of 10 min with the first five min deleted and the remaining five min 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 physical activity for varying times prior to measurement. The test site should be physically comfortable and the individual should have 10-20 min to rest before the measurement commences. A 10-min test duration with the first five min discarded and the remaining five min having a coefficient of variation of <10% will give an accurate measure of RMR.