Aim: to compare estimated energy expenditure by means of three simple methods during various forms of training used in cardiac rehabilitation. Material and methods: the examined group consisted of 40 men involved in early cardiac rehabilitation following acute coronary syndrome. The rehabilitation program consisted of 12-13 sessions comprising Nordic Walking (NW), calisthenics (Cal), and cycle ergometer training (Erg). In each subject, energy expenditure was measured four times using a heart rate monitor with inbuilt function for calculating energy expenditure (CRS), an accelerometer, and heart rate calculated from mean exercise heart rate value based on the data from the treadmill exercise test. Results: for all types of training, the energy expenditure value assessed with an accelerometer was lowerthan calculated based on data from the treadmill exercise test. For Cal and Erg, it was also lower than estimated with the heart rate monitor. The assessment of energy expenditure with the heart rate monitor and calculated based on the data from the exercise test differed exclusively in the case of ergometer training. For all methods of assessment, the energy expenditure was highest during NW. Conclusions: the use of the heart rate monitor enables reliable comparison of energy expenditure during various forms of physical activity. The accelerometer may be useful in assessment of energy expenditure only during simple activities with high linear acceleration.
