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A COMPARISON OF THE BODYGEM® AND THE VACUMED VO2 LAB FOR MEASURING RESTING METABOLIC RATE

Abstract

Lucas K. Shrum, Karl G. Keczkemethy, Thomas J. Pujol, FACSM, & Jason D. Wagganer. Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO.

Indirect calorimetry is used to measure oxygen consumption as a means of accurately estimating resting metabolic rate (RMR). Many commercial devices are available for measuring RMR, such as the BodyGem® indirect calorimeter and the Vacumed VO2 Lab metabolic measuring system. Metabolic carts, such as those manufactured by Vacumed and Cosmed, tend to be viewed as the criterion method for cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment. However, newer, less expensive, and more portable devices, like the BodyGem® and MedGem®, are being used in non-laboratory settings to measure RMR. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the measured RMR of college-aged participants using a BodyGem® indirect calorimeter and a Vacumed VO2 Lab metabolic cart. METHODS: Each participant (male=15; female=15; age=22.7+3.3 yrs; wt=77.5+14.5 kg; ht=173.5+9.6 cm) completed a thirty-minute supine resting session in a quiet environment. Five minutes of resting data were then collected using the Vacumed VO2 Lab while in the supine position. Immediately thereafter, five minutes of resting data was collected using the BodyGem® indirect calorimeter while in the seated position. RESULTS: A paired samples t-test revealed a significant difference between the BodyGem® (1995.0+540.5kcals) and the Vacumed (1520.9+452.5 kcals) (p<.001). The BodyGem® was significantly higher for both male (p=.001) and female (p=.042) participants. CONCLUSION: Inconsistent with past research, the BodyGem® indirect calorimeter yielded RMR values significantly greater than the Vacumed VO2 Lab metabolic measuring system. Further research needs to be conducted comparing the various hand-held indirect calorimeter and metabolic cart instruments before methods such as the BodyGem® can be deemed accurate for measuring RMR.

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