title: Feasibility of an activity protocol for young children in a whole room indirect calorimeter: a proof-of-concept study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter among young children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five healthy children (age 5.2 +/- 0.4 y) performed an activity protocol in a room calorimeter, ranging from sedentary to vigorous-intensity activities. Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated from continuous measurements of O2-consumption and CO2-production using Weir's formula. Resting EE was defined as EE during the first 30 min of the study where participants were seated while watching television. The children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on the right and left hip.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The protocol was well tolerated by all children, and lasted 150 to 175 min. Further, differences were seen in both EE and accelerometer counts across 3 of the 4 activity intensities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible for young children to perform a structured activity protocol in a room calorimeter enhancing the possibility of conducting future studies to cross-validate existing accelerometer prediction equations.
authors: Dept of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Netherlands.
authors: Anouk W M C
authors: AW
authors: Oortwijn
authors: Guy
authors: G
authors: Plasqui
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: Reilly
authors: Anthony D
authors: AD
authors: Okely
mesh_terms: D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors