MET Levels

Question 1

MET Levels 1.0 – 1.4 activity restrictions

Answer 1

Sitting up is allowed for short periods.
Patients can move in bed and
transfer. They can exercise all limbs
while lying down but can only exercise
lower extremities while sitting up.

Question 2

MET Levels 1.0-1.4 sample activities

Answer 2

Self feeding, light hygiene,

reading, playing cards, writing.

Question 3

MET Levels 1.4 – 2.0 activity restrictions

Answer 3

Sitting up is allowed as tolerated. Slow
walking is allowed. Patients may
exercise all extremities but no isometric or strengthening​exercises
are allowed.

Question 4

MET Levels 1.4-2.0 sample activities

Answer 4

Dressing, grooming, bathing,

shaving, crafts

Question 5

MET Levels 2.0-3.0 activity restrictions

Answer 5

Standing is allowed for brief periods.
Patients may shower in warm water if
sitting. Exercise may include more
repetitions, balance activities, and
light mat activities with no resistance.
Walking on a zero grade is allowed.

Question 6

MET Levels 2.0-3.0 sample activities

Answer 6

Showering while sitting, light
housekeeping while sitting,
typing, sewing, playing the
piano.

Question 7

MET Levels 3-3.5 activity restrictions

Answer 7

Unlimited walking on a zero grade is
allowed. Patients may begin walking
on a treadmill at 1 to 1.5 mph at a
1­2% grade. Light resistance may be
added to exercises. Patients may
begin to climb stairs slowly, up to 2
flights.

Question 8

MET Levels 3-3.5 sample activities

Answer 8

Hygiene, grooming, bathing,
dressing, and showering in warm
water while standing. Light
housekeeping tasks while
standing. Light gardening,
driving

Question 9

MET Levels 3.5-4 activity restrictions

Answer 9

Patients may walk on level surfaces up
to 2.5 mph. More resistance may be
added to exercises completed while
sitting, up to 10 lbs.

Question 10

MET Levels 3.5-4 sample activities

Answer 10

Washing dishes, laundry, making
beds, light carpentry and home
repairs, slow swimming, slow
bicycling, golfing using a golf
cart

Question 11

MET Levels 4 and above activity restrictions

Answer 11

Unlimited walking up to 2.5 mph, 10 –
15 lbs of resistance during exercises
completed while sitting.

Question 12

MET Levels 4 and above sample activities

Answer 12

Mopping floors, raking, hanging
up heavy clothes, light
calisthenics, volleyball, basic
swimming, and slow dancing.

Question 13

MET starting point and endpoint for phase 1 of cardiac rehabilitation

Answer 13

Begins: Level 1-2
Goal: Level 3.5

Question 14

MET starting point and endpoint for phase 2 of cardiac rehabilitation

Answer 14

Begins: Level 4-5
Goal: Level 5-6

Question 15

MET starting point for phase 3 of cardiac rehabilitation

Answer 15

Begins: Level 5-6