Abstract
The theoretical basis for the measurement of energy expenditure from the volume and composition of expired air is discussed briefly. With this as background, abbreviated methods of measurement are examined using data obtained in the authors' laboratory and from the literature. When the subject is not undergoing rapid physiological adjustment or recovery from heavy exercise, the oxygen consumption calculated from the minute volume of expired air and its concentration of oxygen will average within ±2 per cent of the true value and may be corrected if a value for the respiratory exchange ratio can be assumed. Estimation of oxygen consumption from the minute volume of expired air may be an acceptable method for industrial surveys if a regression line is pre-determined for each subject or a satisfactory series of lines, based on age and sex, can be constructed.
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