Which activity falls under the category of moderate intensity according to MET levels?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

MET (metabolic equivalent) classifies activity intensity; by convention:
- Light intensity: <3.0 METs
- Moderate intensity: 3.0–5.9 METs
- Vigorous intensity: ≥6.0 METs

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
A MET is the ratio of the work metabolic rate to the resting metabolic rate. Public health guidelines and the Compendium of Physical Activities map common activities to MET values. Moderate-intensity activities are those that require about 3.0 to 5.9 times resting energy expenditure.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify the typical MET range for each option using standard activity-to-MET mappings.
- Compare each activity’s approximate MET value to the moderate range (3.0–5.9).

3) Intermediate calculations and typical MET estimates
- Walking slowly (stroll): ≈1.5–2.5 METs (below 3.0 → light).
- Race walking at a moderate pace: typically around 3.5–5.0 METs depending on speed — it is faster and more effortful than casual walking but slower than running, so it commonly falls squarely in the 3.0–5.9 MET range.
- Bicycling at 14–15 mph: ≈6.8–8.0+ METs (this speed is fairly fast and is categorized as vigorous).
- Jogging at a 12 min/mile pace: 12 min/mile = 5.0 mph; jogging/running at 5 mph corresponds roughly to 7–8 METs (vigorous).

4) Why the correct answer is correct
Race walking at a moderate pace produces energy expenditure that commonly lies between 3.0 and 5.9 METs, which matches the definition of moderate intensity. It requires more effort than strolling but not as much as running or fast cycling, placing it in the moderate-intensity bracket.

5) Why the other options are incorrect
- Walking slowly (stroll): METs <3.0 → light intensity, not moderate.
- Bicycling at 14–15 mph: METs ≥6.0 → vigorous intensity.
- Jogging at 12 min/mile (5 mph): METs ≈7–8 → vigorous intensity.

6) Conclusion
Therefore, the activity that falls under moderate intensity according to MET levels is "Race walking at a moderate pace," which matches the provided correct answer.

Which activity falls under the category of moderate intensity according to MET levels?Single choice

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