Reproducibility of resting metabolic rate measurement in children

The aim of the present study was to determine the reproducibility of measurement of resting metabolic rate (RMR) using a ventilated-hood indirect calorimeter in children using a short protocol suitable for the outpatient setting or home visit. The protocol consisted of an overnight (10-12 h) fast, 5-10 min supine rest, 5-10 min 'settling in' under the ventilated hood, and 12-16 min of measurement. Three measurements of RMR were made in eighteen healthy children (nine boys, nine girls, aged 6-11 years) on alternate days. Reproducibility of RMR was assessed using a reproducibility index and by calculating the CV for intra-individual measurements. The mean CV was 2.6 (SD 1.7)% and the reproducibility index was 95.0%, indicating excellent reliability. The short protocol had higher reproducibility than more stringent protocols described in the literature. The new protocol has a number of practical advantages and should be adequate for most clinical or research purposes.