1.2. More measurements of activity patterns in free-living populations

Just as important as knowing the total energy expenditure of free-living populations is to know their activity patterns. How do they change when dietary intake is supplemented or restricted? In particular, what changes occur in the discretionary activities that are so important for the quality of life?

There is a continuing need for the use of more conventional methods like time-motion studies in combination with indirect calorimetry and individually calibrated heart-rate measurements. Torun has software to analyse heart-rate data which he is willing to make available to other scientists. Manufacturers should be encouraged to produce a simple, relatively inexpensive respirometer that can be used to measure oxygen consumption easily and reliably in the field.