A metabolic rate prediction method under the effects of multiple factors for Chinese young males

The metabolic rate (MET) is a fundamental parameter influencing thermal comfort, which further affects the well-being and productivity of the occupants. Here, the effects of activity intensity, ambient temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure on MET were studied. The results exhibited a quadratic relationship with temperature under most conditions when clothing insulation was fixed, but the ambient humidity had little effect on MET for Chinese young males. Barometric pressure influenced MET only below 80 kPa, where MET increased with decreasing pressure. In addition, a fundamental equation linking MET to walking speed was established, and based on this equation, temperature, clothing insulation correction, and barometric pressure correction were successively proposed. Validation against measured MET data from other studies showed an average relative error of 6.5% and a predictive reliability of 69.6%, demonstrating the equation's superior predictive capability. Finally, a MET prediction equation for females was derived by replacing the fundamental equation, which maintained good predictive capability, highlighting the model's potential applicability. The obtained results were of great significance in promoting the development of MET measurement and estimation for future correction of thermal comfort standards.