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Measurement of energy requirements at rest

Validation of nutritional assessment methods in healthy older adults: resting energy expenditure

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12609000561280
Enrollment
442
Registered
2009-07-09
Start date
2009-09-01
Completion date
Unknown
Last updated
2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

In order to prevent weight loss it is essential that energy intake and energy expenditure are in balance. Resting energy expenditure (REE) accounts for 65-75% of total energy expenditure, and is principally determined by body mass, therefore variations occur with body weight, body composition, age and gender. In order to reliably estimate energy requirements it is necessary to be able to assess REE accurately. Numerous equations have been developed for this purpose, and validated in different populations; however there is a lack of equations specifically for use in older adults. There is also little evidence available regarding the effects of ageing on REE, although it is known that there is a reduction in metabolically active tissue which is likely to result in a decrease in REE. This study aims to develop and validate prediction equations which will result in more reliable estimates of REE in older adults. This will enable Dietitians to provide appropriate nutritional support and therefore optimise nutritional status.

Interventions

Measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE) in healthy community-dwelling older adults. REE will be measured by indirect calorimetry using a metabolic measurement cart with a ventilated hood system. Measurements will take place between 06.00 and 09.00, following an overnight fast, in a thermo-neutral (23 degrees celsius) and humidity controlled, quiet, semi-darkened environment. Participants will be placed under the ventilated hood in a relaxed and supine position. Measurement of oxygen con

Measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE) in healthy community-dwelling older adults. REE will be measured by indirect calorimetry using a metabolic measurement cart with a ventilated hood system. Measurements will take place between 06.00 and 09.00, following an overnight fast, in a thermo-neutral (23 degrees celsius) and humidity controlled, quiet, semi-darkened environment. Participants will be placed under the ventilated hood in a relaxed and supine position. Measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production will occur continuously for a total of 30 minutes, after 10 minutes of acclimatisation.

Sponsors

Dr Michelle Miller
Lead SponsorIndividual

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
70 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

Healthy community-dwelling older adults

Exclusion criteria

Aged less than 70 years; In residential care; History of recent bone fracture; Hypothyroidism; Hyperthyroidism; Oedema; Taking diuretic medications; or Taking thyroid hormones

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026