ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

How is MET calculated?

1. 1 MET = VO2mL(kg*min)^-1

2. 1 MET = (VO2mL(kg*min)^-1)/3.5

3. 1 MET = (3.5)/VO2mL(kg*min)^-1

4. 1 MET = 3.5 x VO2mL(kg*min)^-1

The correct answer is: 1 MET = (VO2mL(kg*min)^-1)/3.5

The calculation of MET (metabolic equivalent of task) is based on the concept of oxygen consumption. One MET is defined as the resting metabolic rate, which corresponds to an oxygen uptake of approximately 3.5 mL of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. When you look at the formula, it represents how MET is expressed in relation to VO2, the volume of oxygen consumed. In this case, the calculation indicates that to convert the oxygen consumption in mL per kg per minute to METs, you divide the VO2 by 3.5. This is because 1 MET is equivalent to a VO2 of 3.5 mL(kg*min)^-1. Therefore, any activity's MET value can be derived by taking its VO2 value and normalizing it against the standard resting value of 3.5, indicating how many times greater the activity's oxygen consumption is compared to resting. Using this method allows for a standardized interpretation of energy expenditure during various activities, facilitating comparisons across different intensities of physical activity, making this understanding fundamental for personal trainers when designing workouts tailored to their clients' fitness levels.