International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the energy expenditure comparison made by a MET?

1. Energy used in high-intensity exercise

2. Energy expenditure in relation to resting state

3. Energy consumed after exercise

4. Energy used for muscle recovery

The correct answer is: Energy expenditure in relation to resting state

The correct answer highlights that a MET, or Metabolic Equivalent of Task, measures energy expenditure in relation to a resting state. One MET is defined as the rate of energy expenditure while at rest, which is approximately 3.5 ml of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute. This metric provides a standardized way to compare the intensity of various physical activities relative to resting metabolism. For instance, an activity that requires four METs means that a person is expending four times the energy they would at rest. This context is crucial for understanding how various exercises compare against a baseline of inactivity, allowing trainers and individuals to gauge training intensity and caloric expenditure effectively. In contrast, the other options focus on specific contexts of energy use rather than a comparative measure to the resting state. High-intensity exercise energy use, post-exercise energy consumption, and energy for muscle recovery could all be important components of an overall training program but do not accurately describe the purpose and utilization of the MET scale. Therefore, recognizing that MET serves as a benchmark against resting energy expenditure is essential in fitness and exercise science.