Modeling of Metabolic Equivalents (METs) during Moderate Resistance Training Exercises

Energy expenditure through metabolic equivalent (MET) prediction during resistance exercises in humans can be modeled by using cardiorespiratory parameters. In this study, we aimed to predict MET during six moderate-intensity resistance training sessions consisting of three different exercises. Eleven participants were recruited into two groups; an untrained (n = 5; with no resistance training experience) and a trained group (n = 6; with 2 months resistance training experience). Each participant completed six training sessions separated with a rest interval of 1–2 days. While wearing a mask for indirect calorimetric measurements using Cortex Metalyzer 3B, each participant performed training sessions consisting of three types of dumbbell exercises: shoulder press, deadlift, and squat. The metabolic equivalents (METs), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood lactate (BL), and Borg rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The MET was predicted using generalized estimating equations (GEE) for repeated measure data collected during exercise and rest periods. It was observed that during exercise period, RER, HR, SBP, and BL for the training group (QIC = 187, 95% CI = −0.012~0.915, p = 0.000*~0.033*) while RER, HR, SBP, DBP, and RPE (QIC = 48, 95% CI = −0.024~0.422, p = 0.000*~0.002*) during resting period for untrained group significantly predicted MET for moderate-intensity interval resistance training. It is concluded that the cardiorespiratory variables are significantly related to MET. During exercise, RER and HR significantly predicted MET for both groups along with additional parameters of SBP and BL for the training group. While during the resting period, RER, HR, SBP, DBP, and RPE related significantly for untrained and BL for training group respectively.