Assessing validity and reliability of Resting Metabolic Rate in six gas analysis systems

摘要

The Deltatrac Metabolic Monitor (DTC), one of the most popular indirect calorimetry systems for measuring resting metabolic rate (RMR) in human subjects, is no longer being manufactured. This study compared five different gas analysis systems to the DTC. Resting metabolic rate was measured by the DTC and at least one other instrument at three study sites for a total of 38 participants. The five indirect calorimetry systems included: MedGraphics CPX Ultima, MedGem, Vmax Encore 29 System, TrueOne 2400, and Korr ReeVue. Validity was assessed using paired t-tests to compare means while reliability was assessed by using both paired t-tests and root mean square calculations with F tests for significance. Within-subject comparisons for validity of RMR revealed a significant difference between the DTC and Ultima. Bland-Altman plot analysis showed significant bias with increasing RMR values for the Korr and MedGem. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) analysis showed a significant difference between the DTC and the Ultima and a trend for a difference with the Vmax (p = 0.09). Reliability assessment for RMR revealed that all instruments had a significantly larger coefficient of variation (CV) (ranging from 4.8% to 10.9%) for RMR compared to the 3.0 % CV for the DTC. Reliability assessment for RER data showed none of the instrument CV’s were significantly larger than the DTC CV. The results were quite disappointing, with none of the instruments equaling the within person reliability of the DTC. The TrueOne and Vmax were the most valid instruments in comparison with the DTC for both RMR and RER assessment. Further testing is needed to identify an instrument with the reliability and validity of the DTC.