The clinical measure of physical exertion.
One MET represents the oxygen consumption in the resting state which is equivalent to 3.5 mL/kg per minute.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is typically expressed as maximal oxygen uptake in metabolic equivalents and can be estimated directly or indirectly.
Not usually measured in clinical practice, nor is it included in common risk algorithms.
One MET is equivalent to the energy requirement for basal homeostasis.
Each 1 MET increase in exercise capacity is associated with an 8% to 35%, median 16%, reduction in mortality- comparing favorably with survival benefits of aspirin, statins, Beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction (Myers J et al).
Every one MET improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness overtime is associated with the 7%, 22%, and 12% lower risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hypercholesterolemia, respectively.
Caring for oneself which includes eating, dressing and using the toilet is equivalent to 1 MET.
Walking up a flight of steps or a hill is equivalent to 4- METs.
Doing heavy work around the house such as scrubbing floors,moving furniture is equivalent to 4-10 METs.
Participating in strenuous sports is equivalent to greater than 10 METs.
Walking at 2 mph equivalent to 2 METs.
Completion of stage II of Bruce treadmill exercise test equivalent to 6-7 METs.
Fourth stage of Bruce treadmill exercise test equivalent to 13 METs.
Sexual activity equivalent to 2-3 METs in the preorgasmic phase and 3-4 METs during the orgasmic phase.
1MET is equivalent to the resting metabolic rate with the energy expenditure while awake and sitting quietly
Moderate intensity activities have MET value of 3-5.9 METS, vigorous intensity activities have a value of six or greater.
The majority of the benefits from exercise are achieved with around 3500 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week.
For example, climbing stairs 10 minutes, vacuuming 15 minutes, gardening 20 minutes, running 20 minutes, and walking or bicycling for 25 minutes on a daily basis would together achieve about 3000 MET minutes a week.