To determine the overall volume of

To determine the overall volume of activity obtained by each participant per week,
each type of physical activity was first weighted by its energy requirements defined
in
metabolic equivalents (METs), or multiples of the resting metabolic rate (IPAQ, 2004). Then,
MET
-
minutes (MET
-
m) were calculated by multiplying the daily minutes by the MET score for
that activity (i.e., walking = 3.3 METs, moderate physical activity =
4.0 METs, and vigorous
physical activity = 8.0 METs). The IPAQ was designed so that the MET
-
m from all three
physical activity categories could be added together for a total amount of MET
-
m per week.
At least 600 MET
-
m per week was specified as the necess
ary amount needed to meet ACSM
recommended guidelines, while those who completed at least 3000 MET
-
m per week
achieved the level of ÒHealth
-
Enhancing Physical ActivityÓ (HEPA; IPAQ, 2004).