The difficulty involved in the calculation of the energy cost during most of the physical activities is related to the mixed nature of the energy elicited. Therefore, it is important to know under which exercise conditions it is possible to perform such measurements and under which conditions it is not. Several terms are often associated with this line of research, such as: energy expenditure, caloric expenditure, or energy cost. The objectives of the present study were to review the methods typically used to assess energy cost and to suggest a more precise nomenclature when teaching or conducting research on these theme. The use of expired O2 to quantify aerobic energy seems undisputable. As to anaerobic lactic energy, more studies are required, using both blood lactate energy equivalent values and accumulated oxygen deficit. The term energy expenditure should be used only when energy release is almost fully aerobic and when direct O2 measurement can be performed during exercise. In every other exercise conditions, the term energy cost is more suitable, as it cannot be directly assessed. Whenever energy cost is mentioned, it should be accompanied by the identification of whether aerobic fraction, anaerobic fraction, or total energy cost is considered.
Aerobic energy cost; Anaerobic energy cost; Energy expenditure; Energy Metabolism; Lactic Acid; Oxygen Consumption