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Protocol - Basal Metabolic and Resting Metabolic Rates

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Description

A 30- to 40-minute process (not including the 30-minute rest period required prior to the start of the measure) for measuring basal (BMR) and resting metabolic rates (RMR) using indirect calorimetry, a measure of energy expenditure. By definition, BMR is measured in individuals in a reclining position, upon awakening in the morning after a 12-hour fast under thermoneutral conditions. The postprandial period is relaxed to 2-4 hours and the time of day uncontrolled for RMR measurements. Using an indirect calorimeter, investigators measure the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in air streams entering and exiting a clear plastic hood placed over the participant’s head. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are calculated from the change in concentration and flow rate.

Specific Instructions

Participants who have self-reported claustrophobia, which would cause them to become anxious when the plastic hood is placed over their head, should be excluded from taking part in the indirect calorimetry procedures. The procedures require that the participant lie quietly for 30 minutes; anxiety caused by claustrophobia would produce inaccurate test results. If participant fasted for 12 hours, but had caffeine within 2-4 hours of the visit, then the indirect calorimetry procedure should be rescheduled. If it has been more than 2-4 hours since consumption of caffeine, the participant may complete the indirect calorimetry procedures because the caffeine has likely been metabolized.

Availability

Available

Protocol

1. This protocol describes the commonly used metabolic cart equipped with a canopy hood for measurement of BMR or RMR

2. Ensure that the equipment has been properly calibrated at the start of each day.

3. Ensure that the equipment is turned on and warmed up for at least 30 minutes prior to using it with a participant.

4. Ask the participant to lie down and rest quietly for about 30 minutes.

5. If the participant feels cold, offer him/her a blanket. If the participant feels hot, alter the environment to insure that he/she does not sweat.

6. Check that the monitor is in canopy mode. Change if needed (This may differ between instruments).

7. Check that the monitor is in the artifact suppression mode with a 10 min start delay. (This may differ between instruments).

8. Check that the hoses from the hood to the metabolic monitor are connected and the unit is turned on.

9. Perform a calibration of the metabolic monitor, as needed.

10. After the initial 30 minute rest period, measure the resting metabolic rate as per instrument instructions.

11. The printer should be reporting data on a minute by minute basis. If it is not printing, check the connections, printer power, or see the PRINTER SETUP.

12. Proceed with the measurement for 30-40 min.

• The technician must remain with the participant - monitoring gas flow alarms and visually checking for labored breathing to insure that gas flow does not fail.

• The participant must remain at rest but not sleep. We recommend that you speak to the participant if you feel it is necessary to keep him/her from falling asleep. If that approach is not effective, then a second attempt could be made by a gentle "nudge." It is important that staff are careful not to startle participants in doing this; however as this could cause an increased heart rate, thereby affecting the test. Participant should always be warned verbally in advance of a physical contact.

• Use of classical music and a relaxing poster over the bed are acceptable methods for keeping participants calm during the indirect calorimetry test. However, please do not use videos or any other strategies for relaxation

• The participant must not talk, except when necessary to communicate a potential problem. If the participant does talk, lift their arms to scratch an itch, shift their weight to prevent stiffness etc., indicate the time and movement on the printout using a pen or pencil.

• Confirm that the participant is still thermally comfortable.

• If the participant has to get up because he/she needs to use the bathroom, then the measurement can be terminated, but the participant will need to start over. The measurement sequence (i.e., steps 3-13) needs to be repeated beginning with a 10 min rest in place of the 30 min called for in the basic protocol.

13. At 30 minutes, check the display data printout for a stable reading (steady state).

14. End the measurement.

15. Obtain the output data from the metabolic cart (time, VO2, VCO2, RQ, Energy Expenditure). Save the readings on a disk or other electronic format. If electronic output not available, staff will enter output onto Excel spreadsheet.

16. Remove the hood from over the participant’s head.

17. Ask the participant to sit upright.

18. Help the participants to their feet and be sure that they are steady. Remember that they have fasted and there is a small risk of hypoglycemia.

19. Sanitize the canopy per local procedures.

Note: The primary safety concern is that airflow through the hood is maintained while the hood is in place over the participant’s head. Loss of flow due to a rare failure of the fan in the metabolic cart or due to a loose hose will cause discomfort and in an extreme case may cause asphyxiation. Although an alarm will sound if the unit does not detect breathing, the metabolic cart technician should remain with the participant throughout the measurement. Care should also be exercised when the participant stands-up after the measurement should dizziness develop secondary to the fast.

Post-Indirect Calorimetry Quality Check

After completion of the indirect calorimetry test, complete a quality check on the following:

1. The printout/electronic record is legible. If not, correct problem and reprint.

2. The average RQ is between 0.75 and 0.9. Values outside of this range may indicate that the participant fasted longer than 15 h (<0.75), ate within the last 6 h (>0.93), or hyperventilated during the measurement (>0.93). Other possible explanations are very high fat diets (<0.75), a weight loss diet (<0.75) or very high carbohydrate diets (>0.93). If the participant admits to a recent meal, reschedule the test.

Check that the coefficient of variation is less than 10%. Possible explanations are excessive participant movement, irregular breathing pattern, failure to suppress the first 10 min of the measurement, or instrument maintenance problems. If the first 10 min of the measurement were not deleted, manually calculate the average and SD without the first 10 min. If the revised coefficient of variation is less than 10%, record these values. If not, repeat the measurement of resting metabolic rate.

Personnel and Training Required

Training of technician to operate the metabolic cart

Equipment Needs

Indirect calorimeter, referred to as a metabolic cart

Requirements
Requirement CategoryRequired
Major equipment Yes
Specialized training Yes
Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection No
Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual Yes
Mode of Administration

Physical Measurement

Lifestage

Child, Adolescent, Adult, Senior, Pregnancy

Participants

Children ages 5 years and above, all adults

Selection Rationale

Obesity arises from energy imbalance. Measurement of energy expenditure and fuel utilization is fundamental to understanding the development of obesity. Indirect calorimetry is a widely used method for capturing RMR and BMR.

Language

English

Standards
StandardNameIDSource
Human Phenotype Ontology Abnormality of metabolism/homeostasis HP:0001939 HPO
caDSR Form PhenX PX230301 - Basal Metabolic And Resting Metabolic Rates 6204367 caDSR Form
Derived Variables

Energy expenditure is calculated from measured oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production

Process and Review

Not applicable.

Protocol Name from Source

Hispanic Community Health Study (HCHS)/Study of Latinos (SOL), Nutritional and Physical Activity Assessment Study (SOLNAS), 2012

Source

Hispanic Community Health Study (HCHS)/Study of Latinos (SOL). Nutritional and Physical Activity Assessment Study (SOLNAS). 2012. Section 6.4.3.8.

General References

Sorlie, P. D., Avilés-Santa, L. M., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., Kaplan, R. C., Daviglus, M. L., Giachello, A. L., Schneiderman, N., Raij, L., Talavera, G., Allison, M., LaVange, L., Chambless, L. E., & Heiss, G. (2010). Design and implementation of the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos. Annals of Epidemiology, 20(8), 629-641.

Protocol ID

230301

Variables
Export Variables
Variable Name Variable IDVariable DescriptiondbGaP Mapping
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_CartData_EnergyExpenditure
PX230301060000 Obtain the output data from the metabolic more
cart: Energy Expenditure - ____________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_CartData_RQ
PX230301050000 Obtain the output data from the metabolic more
cart: RQ - ____________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_CartData_Time
PX230301020000 Obtain the output data from the metabolic more
cart: Time - ____________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_CartData_VCO2
PX230301040000 Obtain the output data from the metabolic more
cart: VCO2 - ____________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_CartData_VO2
PX230301030000 Obtain the output data from the metabolic more
cart: VO2 - ____________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_Initial30Min_Resting
PX230301010000 After the initial 30 minute rest period, more
measure the resting metabolic rate as per instrument instructions. ______________ show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_QualityCheck_Coefficient
PX230301090000 Check that the coefficient of variation is more
less than 10%. Possible explanations are excessive participant movement, irregular breathing pattern, failure to suppress the first 10 min of the measurement, or instrument maintenance problems. If the first show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_QualityCheck_Legible
PX230301070000 The printout/electronic record is legible. more
If not, correct problem and reprint. show less
N/A
PX230301_BasalandResting_MetabolicRates_QualityCheck_RQValue
PX230301080000 RQ Value: _______________ (The average RQ is more
between 0.75 and 0.9) show less
N/A
Obesity
Measure Name

Basal Metabolic and Resting Metabolic Rates

Release Date

September 9, 2015

Definition

This measures basal metabolic rate (BMR) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) using indirect calorimetry (a measurement of energy expenditure based on oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production).

Purpose

Obesity arises from energy imbalance. Measurement of energy expenditure and fuel utilization is fundamental to understanding the development of obesity.

Keywords

Metabolic rate, obesity, calories, basal, resting, metabolic, calorimeter, energy, energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production

Measure Protocols
Protocol ID Protocol Name
230301 Basal Metabolic and Resting Metabolic Rates
Publications

There are no publications listed for this protocol.