The word "METS" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /mɛts/. The first sound is a voiced bilabial nasal /m/, followed by an open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/. The word ends with a voiceless alveolar stop /t/. This spelling corresponds to the baseball team from New York, the New York Mets, and is pronounced "mets" with a short e sound. The name is derived from the Metropolitans, one of the team's original names when it was founded in 1962.
METS is an acronym that stands for "Metabolic Equivalent Task." It is a unit of measurement used in exercise physiology and physical activity research to quantify the amount of energy expended during various activities.
In simple terms, a MET is a way to estimate the intensity of an activity by comparing it to the energy expenditure of a person sitting quietly. One MET is equivalent to the amount of energy expended at rest, which is approximately 3.5 milliliters of oxygen uptake per kilogram of body weight per minute.
By assigning a MET value to different activities, researchers can provide a standardized measure of physical activity intensity. For example, a sedentary activity like watching TV might be assigned a value of 1 MET, while moderate activities like brisk walking or cycling could range from 3-6 METs, depending on the pace or resistance. More vigorous activities like running or aerobic exercise may have MET values of 7 or more.
Using METs helps researchers compare the energy expenditure and health benefits of different activities and allows individuals to track their physical activity levels. Various studies have linked the amount of time spending at different MET levels with health outcomes, such as weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, and overall well-being.