Related Experiment Videos
Reproducibility of resting metabolic rate measurement in children
1University Department of Human Nutrition, Yorkhill Hospitals, Glasgow, UK.
Insights
This study confirms a short protocol for measuring resting metabolic rate (RMR) in children is highly reproducible. This reliable method is suitable for clinical and research settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Metabolic Physiology
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- Accurate resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurement is crucial for pediatric health assessment.
- Existing RMR protocols can be lengthy and impractical for routine clinical use.
- A validated, shorter protocol is needed for outpatient and home-based assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reproducibility of a novel, short resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurement protocol in children.
- To determine the reliability of indirect calorimetry using a ventilated-hood system in a pediatric population.
- To establish the suitability of this protocol for clinical and research applications.
Main Methods:
- A short protocol involving overnight fasting, brief rest, and a 12-16 minute measurement period was used.
- Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured three times on alternate days in 18 healthy children (aged 6-11 years).
- Reproducibility was evaluated using a reproducibility index and coefficient of variation (CV) for intra-individual measurements.
Main Results:
- The mean intra-individual CV for RMR was 2.6% (SD 1.7%), indicating high measurement consistency.
- The reproducibility index was 95.0%, demonstrating excellent reliability of the short protocol.
- The developed protocol showed superior reproducibility compared to more stringent methods in existing literature.
Conclusions:
- The short ventilated-hood indirect calorimetry protocol offers excellent reproducibility for RMR measurement in children.
- This practical and reliable method is well-suited for outpatient settings and home visits.
- The protocol is adequate for most clinical and research purposes requiring RMR assessment in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to determine the reproducibility of measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR) using a ventilated-hood indirect calorimeter in children using a short protocol suitable for the outpatient setting or home visit. The protocol consisted of an overnight (10-12 h) fast, 5-10 min supine rest, 5-10 min 'settling in' under the ventilated hood, and 12-16 min of measurement. Three measurements of RMR were made in eighteen healthy children (nine boys, nine girls, aged 6-11 years) on alternate days. Reproducibility of RMR was assessed using a reproducibility index and by calculating the CV for intra-individual measurements. The mean CV was 2.6 (SD 1.7)% and the reproducibility index was 95.0%, indicating excellent reliability. The short protocol had higher reproducibility than more stringent protocols described in the literature. The new protocol has a number of practical advantages and should be adequate for most clinical or research purposes.