Understanding the Compendium of Physical Activities Metabolic Equivalent

The Compendium of Physical Activities (CPA) Metabolic Equivalent, also known as the Adult Compendium, is a widely used classification system that standardizes the Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) intensities of physical activities. Developed in 1993 and updated in 2000, the CPA has become an essential tool in epidemiologic studies, survey research, and exercise science.

The CPA does not estimate the energy cost of physical activity in individuals by accounting for differences in body mass, adiposity, age, sex, efficiency of movement, geographic, and environmental conditions. Instead, it provides a classification system that categorizes physical activities based on their intensity levels. This makes it easier to assign MET intensities to physical activity questionnaires and develop innovative ways to assess energy expenditure.

The CPA was first used in the Survey of Activity, Fitness, and Exercise (SAFE study) from 1987 to 1989 to code and score physical activity records. Bill Haskell from Stanford University conceptualized the Adult Compendium and developed a prototype for the document. Since then, it has been widely used worldwide to assign intensity units to physical activity questionnaires and develop new methods to assess energy expenditure.

One of the key limitations of the CPA is that it does not account for individual differences in physical activity levels. When using the CPA to estimate the energy cost of activities, investigators should remind participants to recall only the time spent in movement. This ensures that the data collected is accurate and reliable.

The CPA has been updated several times over the years, with a new version published in 2011. The latest updates can be found on the website's Activity Categories page. Users can also search for specific keywords using the website's search function, which searches the entire site including PDF files.

In conclusion, the Compendium of Physical Activities Metabolic Equivalent is an essential tool in physical activity research and exercise science. By understanding its limitations and uses, researchers and practitioners can effectively apply it to their studies and projects.

Compendium of physical activities metabolic equivalent