Strenuous physical activity

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter - Strenuous physical activity Factor

RMA definition

Strenuous physical activity means physical activity greater than 11 METs, where a “MET” is a unit of measurement of the level of physical exertion. 1 MET=3.5ml of oxygen/kg of body weight per minute or, 1.0 kcal/kg of body weight per hour, or resting metabolic rate.

Further information

In general, physical activity greater then 11METs would only be regularly engaged in by athletes participating in regular and long term competitive (vigorous) sporting activities.  For example, competitive tennis might involve 10-13 METs whereas social tennis would be only 6-7 METs; jogging and running might be anywhere from 9 METs to 11-12 METs depending how fast someone was going.

MET ratings for common activities

Last reviewed for CCPS 16 July 2003.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [14889]

14894 there is some evidence that strenuous physical activity may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

10956  the veteran has established the causal connection between strenuous physical activity and operational service for the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation.

Clinical onset and operational service [10956]

10970 the veteran undertook strenuous physical activity for an average duration of at least three hours per week for a minimum of 40 weeks per year during each year for at least five consecutive years.

10971 the veteran undertook strenuous physical activity for an average duration of at least three hours per week for a minimum of 40 weeks per year during each year for at least five consecutive years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

10972 where the veteran undertook strenuous physical activity for an average duration of at least three hours per week for a minimum of 40 weeks per year during each year for at least five consecutive years and that activity has ceased, the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation occurred within five years of cessation.

10973 the veteran's operational service made a material contribution to the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles requirements for undertaking strenuous physical activity before the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation.