RQ and RER

Question 1

Respiratory Quotient (RQ)

Answer 1

ratio of CO2 produced and O2 used at the cellular level

Question 2

Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)

Answer 2

ratio between amount of CO2 produced and O2 used at lung level. Can simply be measure through expelled air from nose or mouth

Question 3

How do RQ and RER relate to intensity?

Answer 3

they indicate whether carbs or fats are being used to fuel the body with energy
Higher RQ = more carbs, Lower RQ = more fats
During exercise, ratio falls between 0.7 (sustainable) and 1.00 (struggling)
Can go above 1.00 when buffering lactic acid