Dr. Gina Honeyman-Lowe closely monitoring an RMR test.

What we're monitoring during RMR measurements.

After the patient rests for up to thirty minutes, she holds the indirect calorimeter. Thick towels support the patient's arm so that her arm muscles are relaxed. The reason for the supporting towel is that muscle contractions increase the metabolic rate. Muscle relaxation is crucial to the patient being in a true resting state.