# Indirect calorimetry system for research in human metabolism

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2024 · $1,547,000

## Abstract

Abstract
The Metabolism Core Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) proposes
to purchase and install an indirect calorimeter system to support leading research programs in
metabolism, nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic metabolic diseases. Indirect
calorimetry, via a whole-room indirect calorimeter system, is the gold standard for measuring
gas exchange to estimate energy expenditure (EE) via oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide
production, providing precise and accurate measures under regulated environmental conditions.
UAB has a history of innovation in studies of metabolism utilizing indirect calorimetry and, in the
1990s, was among the first to install an indirect calorimeter in an academic research facility.
This original indirect calorimeter reached the end of its functionality following 20 years of
service, and researchers have been required to shift measurement modalities toward mobile
metabolic monitors or doubly labeled water, both of which have significant limitations relative to
the 24-hour measurement capability of a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Despite these
limitations, multiple NIH-funded investigators have incorporated measures of EE into study
designs, resulting in high-impact scientific studies and publications while demonstrating a
sustained need for the return of whole-room indirect calorimetry capabilities. The room
calorimeter system proposed in this application will meet these research needs and provide a
replacement for the previous system to again enable appropriate, controlled environmental
conditions for both short- and long-term EE measures. Components of daily EE include resting
EE, activity-related EE (both exercise/physical activity and non-exercise activity), thermic effect
of feeding, respiratory exchange ratio (for nutrient substrate utilization), sleeping metabolic rate,
total daily EE, and other measures as required by study designs. While some aspects of these
comprehensive EE measures may be collected via a portable metabolic monitor or doubly
labeled water techniques, effects on EE associated with nutrition composition, timing of feeding,
energy balance, and health and disease states often require the precision and accuracy
available only in the whole-room indirect calorimeter system. Combined with the ability to deliver
interventions (nutrition, activity, pharmaceutical, environmental), the room calorimeter system
will support the current research base and be available to a broad network of investigators
connected to the UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center, Diabetes Research Center, and
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and restore indirect calorimetry capabilities to the state
of Alabama and the broader region, where none currently exist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10853594
- **Project number:** 1S10OD036278-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** BARBARA A GOWER
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,547,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10853594

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10853594, Indirect calorimetry system for research in human metabolism (1S10OD036278-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10853594. Licensed CC0.

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