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Validation of a new handheld device for measuring resting metabolic rate and oxygen consumption in children
David C Nieman1, Melanie D Austin, Shannon M Chilcote
1Dept of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA.
Insights
The MedGem device accurately measures resting metabolic rate (RMR) and oxygen consumption in children. This study validates the MedGem as a reliable tool for pediatric metabolic assessments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physiology
- Metabolic research
- Biomedical device validation
Background:
- Accurate measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR) is crucial for pediatric health assessments.
- Existing methods for RMR assessment in children may have limitations.
- The MedGem device offers a portable solution for metabolic rate measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity and reliability of the MedGem device for measuring resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a pediatric population.
- To compare MedGem RMR measurements against the established Douglas bag method.
- To establish the accuracy and consistency of the MedGem device for children's metabolic assessments.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 59 children (mean age 11.0 years) underwent four RMR tests.
- Tests included two using the MedGem device and two using the Douglas bag method, in a randomized order.
- Measurements of oxygen consumption and RMR were compared between the two devices.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the MedGem and Douglas bag methods for oxygen consumption (P = 0.106) or RMR (P = 0.286).
- High correlation coefficients (r = 0.911 for oxygen consumption, r = 0.909 for RMR) indicate strong agreement.
- The standard errors of estimates were 17.4 mL/min for oxygen consumption and 124 kcal/d for RMR.
Conclusions:
- The MedGem device demonstrates strong validity and reliability for measuring both oxygen consumption and resting metabolic rate in children.
- These findings support the use of the MedGem as an accurate tool for pediatric RMR assessment.
- The MedGem device provides a dependable method for evaluating energy expenditure in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the MedGem device to measure resting metabolic rate (RMR) in children. Subjects included 59 children (29 boys, 30 girls; mean age, 11.0 +/- 0.2 y). Subjects were given 4 RMR tests during 1 test session, cconsisting of 2 Douglas bag and 2 MedGem tests, in random counterbalanced order. No significant differences were found between Douglas bag and MedGem systems for oxygen consumption (209 +/- 5 and 213 +/- 5 mL/min, respectively, P = 0.106, r = 0.911, mean +/- standard deviation absolute difference 3.72 +/- 17.40 mL/min) or RMR (1460 +/- 39 and 1477 +/- 35 kcal/d, P = 0.286, r = 0.909, mean +/- standard deviation absolute difference 17.4 +/- 124 kcal/d). Standard error of estimates for oxygen consumption and RMR were 17.4 mL/min and 124 kcal/d, respectively. In conclusion, these data indicate that the MedGem is a reliable and valid system for measuring oxygen consumption and RMR in children.
