Energy Cost Of Selected Household Physical Activities In Adults

Abstract

According to the 2018 American Time Use Survey, nearly 78% of US adults spend from 2.0-2.5 hours/day in housework activities that include cleaning, laundry, straightening up, cooking, washing dishes and other activities. Another 11% of adults spend nearly 1.0 hour/day caring for older household adults. As many adults do household activities, there is interest in knowing the energy costs of such activities. PURPOSE: To update the MET values in the 2011 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities (Compendium) with measured oxygen uptake MET values for selected household physical activities (PAs) in adults. METHODS: The energy costs of six meal-related, five household cleaning, and two other care PAs were measured in 20 adults ages 20-59 (10 males, 10 females). Each simulated PA was performed in a laboratory setting for 8-min with a 4-min rest between PAs. Submaximal VO2 (ml/kg/min) and heart rate (beats/min) were measured with a Cosmed K4b2 portable indirect calorimetry system. METs were computed as VO2 in ml/kg/min divided by 3.5 ml/kg/min. Subjects self-rated their PA and physical fitness level as low, middle or high. RESULTS: Subject characteristics were averaged for age (33.7 + 11.2 yrs.), weight (67.9 + 12.0 kg), and height (166.1 + 7.4 cm). MET values were averaged up or down to reflect terminal digit values as presented in the 2011 Compendium (0, 3, 5, 8). MET values: carrying groceries on level surface (3.5), putting away groceries (2.5), food prep and cooking while standing (1.8), food prep and cooking while sitting (1.8), setting the table (2.3), clearing the table and washing dishes (2.0), folding and putting away laundry (2.0), putting away household items (3.0), major cleaning (3.0), sweeping sidewalk (3.0), watering plants (1.8), other care feeding/grooming (1.8), other care bathing/dressing (2.8). Heart rates ranged from 74 to 92 beats/min across all PAs. PA and fitness levels were rated as middle. CONCLUSIONS: Measured MET values were generally lower (on the order of 0.3 to 1.2 METs) than estimated MET values presented in the 2011 Compendium. Measured MET values were the same as the 2011 Compendium for putting away groceries and putting away household items. Overall, measured MET values for frequently performed household activities are rated as low- to moderate intensity. Supported by the Shanghai University of Sport