Metabolic Equivalents

Question 1

In a normal patient how many METs would activities such as walking slowly at home, making the bed, doing dishes, or playing a musical instrument be?

Answer 1

Roughly 2.0 METs

Question 2

What walking activities would you tell a patient to perform if you wanted them to work between 4 and 8 METs?

Answer 2

Walking 3mph= 3-4 METs
Walking 4mph= 4.5-7 METS
walking 4.5mph= 6.3 METs
Jogging 5 mph= 8 METs

Question 3

What kind of self-care/household/occupational activities are considered moderate intensity and what are their MET values?

Answer 3

washing windows or car=3 METs
sweeping/vacuuming= 3-3.5 METs
light gardening= 3-4 METs
power lawn mowing= 5.5 METs

Question 4

What leisure time activities are considered vigorous and what are their MET values?

Answer 4

backpacking= 5-11 METs
playing basketball= 8 METs
biking on flat ground @ 12-14mph= 8 METs
biking 14-16mph on flat ground= 10 METs

Question 5

What is the MET value of toileting or driving a car?

Answer 5

1-2 METs

Question 6

What is the MET value of cooking or bathing?

Answer 6

2-3 METs

Question 7

What is the MET value of carrying heavy loads or shoveling?

Answer 7

7-7.5 METs

Question 8

What is the MET value of sexual intercourse?

Answer 8

4-5 METs

Question 9

What is the MET value of swimming?

Answer 9

4-8 METs

Question 10

What is the MET value of golf when you are walking?

Answer 10

4-7 METs

Question 11

What is a MET the equivalent to in ml/O2/kg/minute

Answer 11

1 MET = 3.5ml of oxygen per kilogram per minute (ml/O2/kg/minute)