Prediction of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) using multiple linear regression in healthy Korean adults: a preliminary study

[PURPOSE]: This preliminary study aimed to develop a regression model to estimate the non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) of Korean adults using various easy-to-measure dependent variables. [METHODS]: NEAT was measured in 71 healthy adults (male n = 29; female n = 42). Statistical analysis was performed to develop a NEAT estimation regression model using the stepwise regression method. [RESULTS]: We confirmed that age(A), weight(B), heart rate (HR)_average(C), weight × HR_average(D), weight × HR_sum(E), systolic blood pressure (SBP) × HR_rest(F), fat mass ÷ height(2G), gender × HR_average(H), and gender × weight × HR_sum(I) were important variables in various NEAT activity regression models. There was no significant difference between the measured NEAT values obtained using a metabolic gas analyzer and the predicted NEAT. [CONCLUSION]: This preliminary study developed a regression model to estimate the NEAT in healthy Korean adults. The regression model was as follows: sitting = 1.431 - 0.013 × (A) + 0.00014 × (D) - 0.00005 × (F) + 0.006 × (H); leg jiggling = 1.102 - 0.011 × (A) + 0.013 × (B) + 0.005 × (H); standing = 1.713 - 0.013 × (A) + 0.0000017 × (I); 4.5 km/h walking = 0.864 + 0.035 × (B) + 0.0000041 × (E); 6.0 km/h walking = 4.029 - 0.024 × (C) + 0.00071 × (D); climbing up 1 stair = 1.308 - 0.016 × (A) + 0.00035 × (D) - 0.000085 × (F) - 0.098 × (G); and climbing up 2 stairs = 1.442 - 0.023 × (A) - 0.000093 × (F) - 0.121 × (G) + 0.0000624 × (E).