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Feasibility of an activity protocol for young children in a whole room indirect calorimeter: a proof-of-concept study
Anouk W M C Oortwijn1, Guy Plasqui, John J Reilly
1Dept of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Netherlands.
Insights
This study found that young children can complete a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter. This research supports future validation of accelerometer prediction equations for children's energy expenditure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physiology
- Human energy metabolism
Background:
- Assessing energy expenditure in children is crucial for understanding their metabolic health.
- Room calorimeters offer precise measurements but require validated protocols for pediatric use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter for young children.
- To determine if children can tolerate and complete varied physical activities within a calorimeter setting.
Main Methods:
- Five healthy children (5.2 ± 0.4 years) underwent a protocol with activities from sedentary to vigorous intensity.
- Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated using oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production (Weir's formula).
- Children wore accelerometers on both hips to measure physical activity.
Main Results:
- The activity protocol was well-tolerated and completed by all participants, lasting 150-175 minutes.
- Significant differences in energy expenditure and accelerometer counts were observed across different activity intensities.
- Resting EE was established during a 30-minute sedentary period.
Conclusions:
- A structured activity protocol is feasible for young children within a room calorimeter.
- This methodology facilitates future research to cross-validate accelerometer-based energy expenditure prediction equations in pediatric populations.
Background:
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter among young children.
Methods:
Five healthy children (age 5.2 +/- 0.4 y) performed an activity protocol in a room calorimeter, ranging from sedentary to vigorous-intensity activities. Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated from continuous measurements of O2-consumption and CO2-production using Weir's formula. Resting EE was defined as EE during the first 30 min of the study where participants were seated while watching television. The children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on the right and left hip.
Results:
The protocol was well tolerated by all children, and lasted 150 to 175 min. Further, differences were seen in both EE and accelerometer counts across 3 of the 4 activity intensities.
Conclusions:
It is feasible for young children to perform a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter enhancing the possibility of conducting future studies to cross-validate existing accelerometer prediction equations.
