Room Calorimetry and Mask Respirometry

Abstract

This chapter describes two approaches to human metabolic measurement: room calorimetry and dilution mode mask (or hood, or canopy) respirometry. For room calorimetry, where the EE of a subject is typically monitored for 24 h, strategies for arranging air flow systems and the convective air movement required for effective time constant compensation are described, together with evaluation of push, pull, and push–pull flow and pressure regulation, with an emphasis on demystifying the technology. Methods for correcting the huge time constant of such rooms are described. For human metabolic measurement using a mask, hood, or canopy, common methodologies are summarized, and the advantages of dilution mode measurement over spirometry are discussed.