Contribution of Locomotion to Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis

Understanding NEAT and Daily Movement

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) represents the energy cost of all activities performed outside of sleeping, eating, and structured exercise. Within NEAT, locomotion—walking and everyday movement—comprises a substantial and significant component for most individuals.

What Comprises Daily Locomotion?

Daily locomotion includes:

• Occupational and work-related walking
• Household activities and chores involving movement
• Leisure walking and recreational movement
• Incidental movement throughout the day
• Commuting and transportation-related walking

NEAT and Total Daily Energy Expenditure

Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) is composed of three primary components:

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Energy required for essential cellular and physiological function at rest (typically 60-75% of TDEE).
• Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): Energy required for digestion and processing of nutrients (typically 8-15% of TDEE).
• Activity Energy Expenditure: Energy expended during physical activity and movement.

Contribution Range of NEAT

The contribution of NEAT to total daily energy expenditure varies considerably based on lifestyle and occupation:

• In predominantly sedentary individuals, NEAT may comprise 15-20% of TDEE
• In moderately active individuals, NEAT typically comprises 20-30% of TDEE
• In highly active individuals with occupational or lifestyle activity, NEAT may exceed 50% of TDEE

Variability Between Individuals

The contribution of locomotion to NEAT differs substantially between individuals. Factors contributing to this variability include:

• Occupational demands (desk-based vs. physically demanding work)
• Lifestyle patterns and daily routine structure
• Body composition and biomechanical efficiency
• Age and baseline fitness level
• Genetic factors influencing metabolic efficiency
• Environmental and geographic factors affecting movement patterns

Individual Baseline Activity Levels

Baseline activity levels—the amount of habitual movement an individual performs—profoundly influence the absolute and relative contribution of locomotion to TDEE. Two individuals of similar body size may have substantially different NEAT contributions based on their baseline activity patterns.

Research Context

Population studies consistently demonstrate associations between higher daily movement and higher overall energy expenditure. However, causality cannot be inferred from observational data. Confounding variables—including diet, sleep quality, genetics, and occupational demands—all influence both activity levels and total energy expenditure.