Abstract
Physical activity has a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. The precise measurement of physical activity is key to many surveillance and epidemiological studies investigating trends and associations with disease. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity rely on the measurement of physical activity to monitor their effectiveness. Physical activity is multidimensional, and a complex behaviour to measure; its various domains are often misunderstood. Inappropriate or crude measures of physical activity have serious implications, and are likely to lead to misleading results and underestimate effect size. In this review, key definitions and theoretical aspects, which underpin the measurement of physical activity, are briefly discussed. Methodologies particularly suited for use in epidemiological research are reviewed, with particular reference to their validity, primary outcome measure and considerations when using each in the field. It is acknowledged that the choice of method may be a compromise between accuracy level and feasibility, but the ultimate choice of tool must suit the stated aim of the research. A framework is presented to guide researchers on the selection of the most suitable tool for use in a specific study.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 127-139 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2010 |
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Keywords
- Accelerometry
- Assessment
- Epidemiology
- Heart rate monitoring
- Methodologies
- Motion sensors
- Pedometers
- Physical activity
- Physical activity questionnaires
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Cite this
Assessment of physical activity - A review of methodologies with reference to epidemiological research : A report of the exercise physiology section of the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. / Warren, Janet M.; Ekelund, Ulf; Besson, Herve; Mezzani, Alessandro; Geladas, Nickos; Vanhees, Luc.
In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Vol. 17, No. 2, 04.2010, p. 127-139.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Assessment of physical activity - A review of methodologies with reference to epidemiological research
T2 - A report of the exercise physiology section of the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
AU - Warren, Janet M.
AU - Ekelund, Ulf
AU - Besson, Herve
AU - Mezzani, Alessandro
AU - Geladas, Nickos
AU - Vanhees, Luc
PY - 2010/4
Y1 - 2010/4
N2 - Physical activity has a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. The precise measurement of physical activity is key to many surveillance and epidemiological studies investigating trends and associations with disease. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity rely on the measurement of physical activity to monitor their effectiveness. Physical activity is multidimensional, and a complex behaviour to measure; its various domains are often misunderstood. Inappropriate or crude measures of physical activity have serious implications, and are likely to lead to misleading results and underestimate effect size. In this review, key definitions and theoretical aspects, which underpin the measurement of physical activity, are briefly discussed. Methodologies particularly suited for use in epidemiological research are reviewed, with particular reference to their validity, primary outcome measure and considerations when using each in the field. It is acknowledged that the choice of method may be a compromise between accuracy level and feasibility, but the ultimate choice of tool must suit the stated aim of the research. A framework is presented to guide researchers on the selection of the most suitable tool for use in a specific study.
AB - Physical activity has a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. The precise measurement of physical activity is key to many surveillance and epidemiological studies investigating trends and associations with disease. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity rely on the measurement of physical activity to monitor their effectiveness. Physical activity is multidimensional, and a complex behaviour to measure; its various domains are often misunderstood. Inappropriate or crude measures of physical activity have serious implications, and are likely to lead to misleading results and underestimate effect size. In this review, key definitions and theoretical aspects, which underpin the measurement of physical activity, are briefly discussed. Methodologies particularly suited for use in epidemiological research are reviewed, with particular reference to their validity, primary outcome measure and considerations when using each in the field. It is acknowledged that the choice of method may be a compromise between accuracy level and feasibility, but the ultimate choice of tool must suit the stated aim of the research. A framework is presented to guide researchers on the selection of the most suitable tool for use in a specific study.
KW - Accelerometry
KW - Assessment
KW - Epidemiology
KW - Heart rate monitoring
KW - Methodologies
KW - Motion sensors
KW - Pedometers
KW - Physical activity
KW - Physical activity questionnaires
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77951293899&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/HJR.0b013e32832ed875
DO - 10.1097/HJR.0b013e32832ed875
M3 - Article
C2 - 20215971
AN - SCOPUS:77951293899
VL - 17
SP - 127
EP - 139
JO - European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
JF - European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
SN - 1741-8267
IS - 2
ER -