Energy expenditure during chewing: a comparison of two measurement methods

Abstract

Older adults with chewing and swallowing difficulties frequently report increased fatigue and effort, or energy expenditure, during eating. Energy is defined as the ability to perform work. It is most accurately measured through an examination of the gaseous composition of inhaled and exhaled air at rest and during activity using laboratory-based indirect calorimetry. There is a need for a valid measure of energy expenditure that can be used to document the effort involved in eating and swallowing in natural contexts. The purpose of the current study was to determine the concurrent validity of the portable SenseWear® system compared to indirect calorimetry during a simulated eating task. Nineteen university students served as participants. Each was connected simultaneously to indirect calorimetry and SenseWear® systems. Energy expenditure was obtained while participants chewed gum and swallowed repeatedly. Pearson product-moment correlations showed a close relationship (p < 0.05) between the two measurement methods. Mean Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference measures also correlated positively with both measurement methods, reflecting the influence of body mass on energy expenditure. Results support the use of the SenseWear® system to measure energy expenditure in chewing and swallowing in natural contexts, particularly for adults with chewing and swallowing difficulties.