Comparison between measured and predicted resting metabolic rate in moderately active adolescents

The aim of this study was to check the validity of predictive equations for the calculation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in moderately active adole scents. The RMR was measured in a sample of 25 healthy 15.5-18.2-year-old b oys practicing soccer. The RMR was assessed by indirect calorimetry for 30 min following an overnight fast. Body composition was estimated from skinfo ld thickness measurements. Among the available equations to predict RMR, we decided to use those a of Molnar et al., Harris-Benedict, Schofield, and C unningham. Measured and predicted values were compared by means of a one-wa y ANOVA. Also the Bland-Altman test was performed in order to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction equations compared to the measured value. The me asured RMR was found to be 1834 +/- 160 kcal/day (mean +/- SD), while the M olnar et al., Schofield, Harris-Benedict, and Cunningham predicted values w ere 1707 +/- 78, 1866 +/- 89, 1779 +/- 84 and 1830 +/- 87 kcal/day, respect ively. On average, compared to the measured values only the Molnar et al. e quation differed significantly. On an individual basis, all the equations d emonstrated considerable variability between measured and predicted RMRs. T he predicted values also differed significantly. As regards the moderately active subjects (16-18 years old), we recommend the use of the Schofield eq uation, based on simple anthropometric parameters and also that of Cunningh am, even if the estimation or measurement of fat-free mass may be cumbersom e for everyday pediatric use.