VO2 Master Analyzer versus Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 Canopy System for assessing Resting Metabolic Rate and Oxygen Consumption

Introduction: Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the energy expended by the body at rest. The Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 Canopy System is considered a “gold standard” system for measuring RMR, but it is limited by its high cost, lack of portability, and need for expertise. In contrast, the VO₂ Master analyzer is a portable metabolic system offering a more cost-effective RMR measurement solution. However, the accuracy of the VO₂ Master Analyzer for RMR compared to a gold standard is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of the VO₂ Master in a group of college students. Methods: Seventy-eight 18 to 23-year-old college students (mean ± SD: height = 173.2 ± 11.18 cm and weight = 74.8 ± 15.48 kg) attending a Midwest University performed an RMR test using both the VO₂ Master and the Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 Canopy System in a crossover study. A paired sample t-test was used to determine statistical differences between RMR and VO₂ between the two systems. A Bland-Altman Analysis was performed for RMR to visualize bias and limits of agreement. Results: A significant difference (p < 0.05) for RMR (Parvo Medics = 1978.0 ± 454.9 vs. VO₂ Master = 1875.3 ± 494.1 kcal/day) and VO₂ (Parvo Medics = 3.90 ± 0.60 vs. VO₂ Master = 3.56 ± 0.69 ml/kg/min) was found between the two systems. Bland-Altman analyses for RMR and VO₂ revealed a constant bias of 102.7 kcal/day and 0.34 ml/kg/min, respectively. Conclusions: This study found that the VO₂ Master underestimates RMR by almost 103 kcal/day and VO₂ by 0.34 ml/kg/min. Thus, the VO₂ Master may not be a suitable RMR or VO₂ measure for college students. Further studies in other populations are recommended.