The Energy Cost of Household Chores, Rollerblading, and Riding Scooters in 9- to 14-Year-Old Children
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthClick name to view affiliation
Background:
To improve the scope of the Youth Compendium of Energy Expenditures, a range of everyday activities of varying intensity should be measured. This study measures the energy cost of children undertaking common household chores, rollerblading and riding a foot-propelled scooter.
Methods:
Participants were 9- to 14-year-old children. A metabolic cart was used to measure oxygen cost (VO2) of a variety of household chores. A Cosmed K4b2 portable oxygen analyzer was used to measure VO2 during rollerblading and riding a scooter at self-selected speeds. Energy costs for each participant were calculated as child METs.
Results:
Mean child MET costs for the household chores ranged from 1.3 to 3.6 METs. Rollerblading and riding a scooter yielded mean child MET costs of 6.5 and 6.3 METs respectively.
Conclusions:
Household chores were found to be of light to moderate intensity, while rollerblading and riding a scooter were vigorous activities.
Ridley (Kate.Ridley@flinders.edu.au) is with the Sport, Health, and Physical Education (SHAPE) Research Centre, School of Education, Flinders University, Australia. Olds is with the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia.
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