Energy Expenditure During Chewing: A Comparison of 2 Measurement Methods

Energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry requires a mask that covers the nose and mouth. To measure energy expenditure during eating, an alternative device that allows the individual to eat freely needs to be identified. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the concurrent validity of energy expenditure measured with the SenseWear system and indirect calorimetry during a simulated eating task. Energy expenditure was measured by both devices simultaneously, while 19 college-age participants simulated eating by chewing gum for 2 minutes. A moderately significant relationship (r = 0.49, P < .05) between the 2 measurement methods was observed. However, kilocalories expended chewing the gum measured by indirect calorimetry (4.25 ± 1.19) were significantly greater than kilocalories measured by SenseWear (2.42 ± 0.51). Results provide feasibility data to support the continued exploration of the SenseWear system to measure energy expenditure during eating in natural contexts and for possible future application to older adults with chewing and swallowing difficulties.