Question

For each description of muscular activity A–E, select the most appropriate level of METS from the following list, where 1 MET equals the rate of metabolism associated with each individual in the stable resting state (3.5 ml oxygen/min/kg weight). 

1. 0.5 METS. 

2. 1 MET. 

3. 2 METS. 

4. 4 METS. 

5. 8 METS. 

6. 16 METS. 

7. 32 METS. 

8. 64 METS.

A. An individual with cardiac or respiratory disease is just able to leave the house and walk slowly for a short distance. 

B. An individual who is above average physical fitness and is being considered for a national athletics team can just reach this level. 

C. The level of activity associated with brisk walking. 

D. The level of activity associated with the average individual climbing 100–200 steps at a rate which is approaching the maximal possible for that person. 

E. The level of sustainable activity in a fit 90-year-old.

Answer 1

A. Option 3 2 METS. This is the borderline between being able to get out and about and being totally housebound and 100 per cent disabled. 

B. Option 6 16 METS. The average fit young to middle-aged person can reach around 10 METS; athletes around 15–20 METS; super Olympic athletes may exceed this. 

C. Option 4 4 METS. Brisk walking involves almost half way to maximal exertion for many people. 

D. Option 5 8 METS. Since the average person can reach about 10 METS, 8 METS is close to the maximal sustainable for a moderate period of time. 

E. Option 4 4 METS. Maximal exertional ability declines after around 25–30 years; the world record for the mile at 90 years of age is just under a quarter of an hour, not much above the brisk walking speed.