In direct calorimetry, a person is placed in a large, water-insulated chamber. The chamber is kept at a constant temperature. While in the chamber, the subject is asked to perform a number of normal activities, such as eating, sleeping, and exercising. The rate of heat released from the subject's body can be measured by the rate of heat gain by the water bath. Would direct calorimetry be a practical way to measure metabolic rate? Why or why not?

Question

Jesse Durham

Biology

3 May, 09:25

In direct calorimetry, a person is placed in a large, water-insulated chamber. The chamber is kept at a constant temperature. While in the chamber, the subject is asked to perform a number of normal activities, such as eating, sleeping, and exercising. The rate of heat released from the subject's body can be measured by the rate of heat gain by the water bath. Would direct calorimetry be a practical way to measure metabolic rate? Why or why not?

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Answers (1)

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Orlando Kaufman · Answer 1

Although direct calorimetry is considered to be the most precise technique for the measurement of metabolic rate, construction of such a chamber that is large enough for doing exercise physiology research (or any research for that matter) is extremely expensive and not at all mobile.

Explanation:

Direct calorimetry measures the heat production of an individual, in calories, when placed in an insulated chamber where the heat is transferred to surrounding water. This is a very accurate method of measuring energy expenditure.