Physical Activity Measurement Tools Research Articles

The park physical activity questionnaire (Park-PAQ): A reliable measurement tool for park-based and total physical activity.

Few studies have explicitly quantified the proportion of park-based physical activity to park users' overall physical activity levels. Population studies need new context-specific physical activity measurement tools to achieve this. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable measure of self-reported park use and physical activity undertaken within and outside of parks to determine the contribution that park-based physical activity makes to overall physical activity levels. A test-retest reliability study (n=104) was conducted using the Park Physical Activity Questionnaire (Park-PAQ), an instrument based on the Active Australia Survey. Park-PAQ items captured the frequency and duration of walking for recreation or exercise, walking for transport, moderate and vigorous physical activity and strength, conditioning and balance activities done in parks and elsewhere. Recall of doing any walking for recreation (kappa=0.649, p<0.001) and any vigorous physical activity (kappa=0.772, p<0.001) was 'substantial', recall of doing any moderate physical activity (kappa=0.553, p<0.001) was 'moderate/acceptable', and recall of any walking for transport (kappa=0.840, p<0.001) 'near perfect'. Recall of the time spent walking for recreation in parks (ICC=0.928, p<0.001) was 'near perfect', whilst recall of time spent doing moderate activity in parks (ICC=0.925, p<0.001) and vigorous activity in parks (ICC=0.962, p<0.001) was 'near perfect'. Time spent walking for transport in a park (ICC=0.200, p=0.056) showed 'poor' agreement. Repeatability of the usual level of park use was 'substantial' (kappa=0.744). The Park-PAQ reliably measures six domains of physical activity and quantifies the proportion of physical activity done in parks as a proportion of total physical activity. The Park-PAQ, used alone or embedded into park or physical activity surveys, will reliably capture context-specific activities that will optimise population level physical activity interventions, park programming and park management and design.

How should we measure physical activity after stroke? An international consensus.

Physical activity is important for secondary stroke prevention. Currently, there is inconsistency of outcomes and tools used to measure physical activity following stroke. To establish internationally agreed recommendations to enable consistent measurement of post-stroke physical activity. Stroke survivors and carers were surveyed online once regarding what is important in physical activity measurement. Three survey rounds with expert stroke researchers and clinicians were conducted using Keeney's Value-Focused Thinking Methodology. Survey 1 identified physical activity tools, outcomes, and measurement considerations which were ranked in Survey 2. Consensus recommendations on tools were then formulated by the consensus group based on survey responses. In Survey 3, participants reviewed ranked results and evidence gathered to determine their support for consensus recommendations. Twenty-five stroke survivors, 5 carers, 18 researchers, and 17 clinicians from 16 countries participated. Time in moderate-vigorous physical activity and step count were identified as the most important outcomes to measure. Key measurement considerations included the ability to measure across frequency, intensity, duration domains in real-world settings; user-friendliness, comfort, and ability to detect changes. Consensus recommendations included using the Actigraph, Actical, and Activ8 devices for physical activity intensity; ActivPAL for duration and Step Activity Monitor for frequency; and the IPAQ and PASE questionnaires. Survey 3 indicated 100% support for device and 96% for questionnaire recommendations. These consensus recommendations can guide selection of physical activity measurement tools and outcomes. Tool selection will depend on measurement purpose, user-knowledge, and resources. Comprehensive measurement requires the use of devices and questionnaires.

휠체어를 이용하는 척수장애인의 신체활동량 측정도구 조사연구 : 체계적 문헌고찰

The study aims to investigate measurement tools that can measure the physical activity (PA) levels of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a wheelchair, and to systematically review related literature. There were 13 different related research publications collected according to the search by ‘Assessment of physical activity of people with SCI’, ‘Assessment of health and physical fitness of people with SCI’, and ‘Physical activity of people with SCI’ from research publication database (RISS, Google Scholar, and PubMed) using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) methods. As a result, it was investigated that there are accelerometers, self-report questionnaires, and electronic physical activity measuring machines as measurement tools to measure the PA level of people with SCI using a wheelchair. In addition, the self-report questionnaire showed more accurate measured values than the electronic PA measurement machine, and it was found that the questionnaire was used in comparison with the accelerometer. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence data for developing PA measurement tools that can be applied to disability policies and people with SCI in Korea.

Findings From A Scoping Review Examining Family Dog Ownership And Youth Physical Activity Levels

Higher youth physical activity (PA) is associated with favorable health outcomes. Only one in three children meet national PA guidelines, which recommend 60 minutes of daily PA. As an estimated 48% of US households own a dog, encouraging dog walking and active play with the family dog are potential high reach strategies to increase youth PA. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature on family dog ownership and youth PA levels and identify gaps in the literature to inform future studies. METHODS: Database literature searches yielded 659, 230, and 104 results in PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, respectively, with the following search terms: (Kids OR children OR adolescents OR youth OR families) AND (Dog OR pet) AND (Physical activity OR walking OR steps OR exercise OR obesity). Following abstract and full-text screening, 18 articles were selected for inclusion. RESULTS: A majority of studies were cross-sectional (88.9%). Study populations were adolescents (38.9%), elementary-aged (27.8%), preschool-aged (5.5%), or combined ages (27.9%). Most studies consisted of majority White, higher socioeconomic status populations (88.9%). PA measurement tools consisted of questionnaire-only (n = 10; 55.6%), questionnaire with participant accelerometers (n = 7; 38.8%), and questionnaire with participant fitness-testing (n = 1; 5.5%). Only 1 study paired self-reported dog walking data with accelerometer data to determine whether children performed moderate-to-vigorous PA during family dog walks. Of 9 studies comparing PA levels among youth with and without dogs, 77.8% reported a positive association between dog ownership and PA. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies investigating dog ownership and youth PA levels are cross-sectional, and suggest dog ownership is associated with higher youth PA levels. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether the relationship is causal. If a causal relationship is demonstrated, initiatives that reduce family dog ownership barriers may help increase youth PA levels. Randomized trials testing interventions to increase dog-facilitated PA in youth are also needed. Finally, future studies should examine the dog ownership-PA relationship in low-income and ethnic minority youth.

Exposure to Cigarette Smoke and Daily Physical Activity Associated with Asthma

Background: Asthmatic sufferers complain of sudden relapse when performing daily activities. exposure to cigarette smoke makes asthmatics where the longer the exposure is experienced by the patient, the more frequent asthma exacerbations are experienced. For people with asthma, avoiding excessive physical activity and exposure to cigarette smoke is very necessary to prevent recurrence of symptoms. So it is necessary to control the level of asthma, which is influenced by factors that trigger asthma recurrence. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between daily physical activity and exposure to cigarette smoke on asthma recurrence in asthmatic patients Methods: This type of research uses observational analytic using a cross sectional approach. Sampling in this study using purposive sampling obtained the number of respondents 358 with a vulnerable age of 18-45 years. This research was conducted for 6 months. The measuring instrument for exposure to cigarette smoke uses a questionnaire containing the categories of exposure to cigarette smoke less than 1 hour, exposure to cigarette smoke 1-4 hours and exposure to cigarette smoke more than 4 hours. Physical activity measurement tool using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Asthma recurrence was measured by using a questionnaire that refers to the Asthma Control Test (ACT). The research procedure was carried out by researchers by ensuring that respondents were in good health and signed the informed consent provided. Data analysis using Chi-Square test. Result: The results of the Chi Square test with a significance value of = 0.05, p value = 0.000, which means p &lt; then there is a relationship between daily physical activity and exposure to cigarette smoke on asthma recurrence in asthmatic patients. Conclusions: There is a relationship between exposure to cigarette smoke and daily physical activity on asthma relapse in asthmatic patients. It is expected that asthmatics should avoid triggering factors for asthma relapse to achieve controlled asthma levels.

Global Changes in Child and Adolescent Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Numerous physical distancing measures were implemented to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which could have negatively affected child and adolescent physical activity levels. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature that used validated measures to document changes in child and adolescent physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and to estimate whether changes in physical activity differed between participant-level, contextual, and methodological moderators. PubMed, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE were searched (from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022). A total of 1085 nonduplicate records were retrieved. Studies were included if they reported (1) changes in the duration of physical activity at any intensity for children or adolescents (age ≤18 years) comparing before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using validated physical activity measurement tools and were (2) from general population samples, (3) peer-reviewed, and (4) published in English. A total of 126 articles underwent full-text review. Data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis, which was conducted in January 2022. Change in the duration of engagement in physical activity at any intensity comparing before and during COVID-19. Twenty-two studies including 46 independent samples and 79 effect sizes from 14 216 participants (median age, 10.5 years; range, 3-18 years) were included. The percentage change in the duration of engagement in total daily physical activity from before to during COVID-19 was -20% (90% CI, -34% to -4%). Moderation analyses revealed that changes were larger for higher-intensity activities (-32%; 90% CI, -44% to -16%), corresponding to a 17-minute reduction in children's daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels. The reduction in physical activity was also larger for samples located at higher latitudes (37%; 90% CI, -1% to 89%) and for studies with a longer duration between physical activity assessments (25%; 90% CI, -0.5% to 58%). Children and adolescents have experienced measurable reductions in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings underscore the need to provide bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning among children and adolescents during pandemic recovery efforts.

Assessing adolescent diet and physical activity behaviour, knowledge and awareness in low- and middle-income countries: a systematised review of quantitative epidemiological tools

PurposeQuantitative epidemiological tools are routinely used to assess adolescent diet and physical activity (PA) constructs (behaviour, knowledge, and awareness) as risk factors for non-communicable diseases. This study sought to synthesize evidence on the quantitative epidemiological tools that have been used to assess adolescent diet and PA constructs in low to middle-income countries (LMIC).MethodsA systematised review was conducted using 3 databases (EbscoHost, Scopus and Web of Science).ResultsWe identified 292 LMIC studies assessing adolescent diet and PA. Identified studies predominantly explored behavioural (90%) constructs with a paucity of studies investigating knowledge and awareness. The majority of studies used subjective (94%) and self-administered (78%) tools. Only 39% of LMIC studies used tools validated for their contexts.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for more contextual tools for assessing adolescent diet and PA in LMICs. Diet and PA measurement tools used in future research will need to incorporate measures of knowledge and awareness for a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of diet and PA in adolescents. Furthermore, there is a need for more evidence on the reliability and validity of these tools for use, in both cross sectional and longitudinal studies, in LMIC contexts.

Feasibility Study Comparing Physical Activity Classifications from Accelerometers with Wearable Camera Data.

Device-based assessments are frequently used to measure physical activity (PA) but contextual measures are often lacking. There is a need for new methods, and one under-explored option is the use of wearable cameras. This study tested the use of wearable cameras in PA measurement by comparing intensity classifications from accelerometers with wearable camera data. Seventy-eight 18–30-year-olds wore an Actigraph GT9X link accelerometer and Autographer wearable camera for three consecutive days. An image coding schedule was designed to assess activity categories and activity sub-categories defined by the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities (Compendium). Accelerometer hourly detailed files processed using the Montoye (2020) cut-points were linked to camera data using date and time stamps. Agreement was examined using equivalence testing, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho). Fifty-three participants contributing 636 person-hours were included. Reliability was moderate to good for sedentary behavior (rho = 0.77), light intensity activities (rho = 0.59) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (rho = 0.51). The estimates of sedentary behavior, light activity and MVPA from the two methods were similar, but not equivalent. Wearable cameras are a potential complementary tool for PA measurement, but practical challenges and limitations exist. While wearable cameras may not be feasible for use in large scale studies, they may be feasible in small scale studies where context is important.

PMS76 Correlation between Accelerometer and Ipaq-SF-Derived Sedentary Time in Hungarian Adults, Preliminary Study of the Eupasmos Project

The reliable examination of the health enhancing physical activity is one of the main goal of the European Physical Activity and Sport Monitoring System (EUPASMOS) project. The self-report measured physical activity (PA), especially IPAQ-SF are popular but the reliability is not examined among Hungarian adults population. Furthermore several studies proved that sedentary behaviour negatively impacts health status. Our study aim was to compare an important score, the sedentary time measured by accelerometer and IPAQ-SF. The study comprised 593 participating adults (248 males and 345 females, age: 44.41±18.64). The data was collected during February-May 2019 in Budapest and Pécs and their agglomeration, using quota sampling by age and gender representing the Hungarian adult (18+) population. The self-reported physical activity by IPAQ-SF was compared to RM 42 hip-worn triaxial accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were presented as median and interquartile range (IQR), Spearman’s rank correlation was used to compare the objective and subjective PA measurement tools using SPSS 24. program, where level of significance was set at p<0.05. The IPAQ-SF sedentary time (ST) per day (min/day) for the full sample was 360.00 (240.00-480.00) and the median accelerometer-derived ST was 505.00 (434.50-578.50) min/day. The self-reported and accelerometer-based data were significantly correlated (R=0.236, p<0.001). However the questionnaire results were overestimated the accelerometer-based result. The median difference between the two measurement was 150.00 min/day (-29.00-293.50) Notable result was that the ST was significantly negatively correlated with age (Accelerometer: R=-0.114, p=0.007; IPAQ-SF: R=-0.145; p=0.001). Overall, we conclude that the IPAQ-SF was not showed strong reliability in ST examination. The questionnaire was weakly correlated with accelerometer data but further analysis needed to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire compare to the accelerometer and other measurement tools to suggest the best self-reported questionnaire to measure PA level of the population.

Children with congenital heart disease exhibit seasonal variation in physical activity.

ObjectiveWe sought to identify seasonal variation in physical activity that different physical activity measurement tools can capture in children with congenital heart disease.MethodsData were collected as part of a prospective cohort study at BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada. Daily step counts of children aged 9–16 years with moderate-to-severe CHD were assessed continuously for 1-year via a commercial activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 2™). Physical activity levels were also assessed conventionally at one time-point via accelerometers (ActiGraph) and physical activity questionnaires.Results156 children (mean age 12.7±2.4 years; 42% female) participated in the study. Fitbit data (n = 96) over a 1-year period clearly illustrated seasonal peaks (late spring and autumn) and dips (winter and summer school holidays) in physical activity levels, with group mean values being below 12,000 steps per day throughout the year. According to conventional accelerometry data (n = 142), 26% met guidelines, which tended to differ according to season of measurement (spring: 39%, summer: 11%, fall: 20%, winter: 39%; p-value = 0.053). Questionnaire data (n = 134) identified that the most widely reported activities were walking (81%) and running (78%) with walking being the highest in summer and fall and running in winter and spring. Furthermore, regardless of overall activity levels the children exhibit similar seasonal variation.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that physical activity level changes across seasons in children with CHD. It is important to be aware of these fluctuations when assessing and interpreting physical activity levels. Season specific counselling for physical activity may be beneficial in a clinical setting.

Development of the Digital Assessment of Precise Physical Activity (DAPPA) Tool for Older Adults.

Physical activity (PA) is central to maintaining health and wellbeing as we age. Valid, reliable measurement tools are vital for understanding, and evaluating PA. There are limited options for comprehensively, accurately and affordably measuring older adults’ PA at scale at present. We aimed to develop a digital PA measurement tool specifically for adults aged 65+ using a person-based approach. We collated evidence from target users, field experts and the relevant literature to learn how older adults comprehend PA and would accept a digital tool. Findings suggest that older adults’ PA is often integrated into their daily life activities and that commonly applied terminology (e.g., moderate and vigorous) can be difficult to interpret. We also found that there is increasing familiarity with digital platforms amongst older adults, and that technological simplicity is valued. These findings informed the development of a digital tool that asks users to report their activities across key PA domains and dimensions from the previous 7-days. Users found the tool easy to navigate and comprehensive in terms of activity reporting. However, real-world usability testing revealed that users struggled with seven-day recall. Further work will address the identified issues, including creating a single-day reporting option, before commencing work to validate this new tool.

Adaptation of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) for the Measurement of Physical Activity in Jail Settings.

Over 9 million people are incarcerated in jail each year, but physical activity has not been assessed among incarcerated populations. Measuring physical activity in the jail setting is complicated as current physical activity measurement tools are not designed for use inside jail facilities. Therefore, we adapted an evidence-based physical activity measurement tool, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), to assess physical activity within a jail facility. SOPARC was designed to obtain observational information on physical activity of individuals. The study team created a protocol for SOPARC for use in jail facilities. Unlike the original SOPARC, access to recreation time in jail required prior scheduling. Target areas were unnecessary as recreation spaces were enclosed. The adapted SOPARC protocol for jails included start and end times, the number of individuals that attended, and recreation time users’ physical activity levels, footwear, outerwear, uniform color, and use of mobility assistive devices. The use of SOPARC in the jail setting requires adaptation to adequately capture physical activity data among incarcerated individuals. Accurately measuring physical activity among incarcerated individuals and the environment in which they are active may allow for future development and testing of physical activity interventions in jail facilities.

Application Research of Physical Activity Measurement Tool Compared with Traditional Observation Method in Exercise Density of Physical Education Class

This paper takes the cricket course of Tsinghua University as an example to study how to quantitatively monitor the exercise density of physical education class through the three-axis accelerometer physical activity measurement tool, and obtain the calculation formula of effective exercise density in physical education class. Compare physical activity objective measurement method with physical education teachers’ traditional subjective observation method to find out the differences between these two measurement methods of exercise density in physical education classes. It will provide a reference for the exercise density evaluation in physical education classes and the physical activity monitoring of the students.

A scoping review of physical activity measurement tools in free-living conditions

A scoping review of physical activity measurement tools in free-living conditions

Pedometer Measured Step Counts and Bone Mineral Density among Premenopausal Women

Pedometers have become popular physical activity measurement tools and have proven to be valid and reliable. Opportunity for bone impact comes mostly from weight bearing physical activity and is captured by the use of these devises. However, there is question about the intensity of impact needed to stimulate changes in bone tissue. Research focused on walking activity, which comprises a majority of daily physical activity for most individuals, has resulted in conflicting effects on the commencement of bone tissue remodeling. The purpose of this study was to measure pedometer based daily physical activity and determine whether these data significantly correlate with aBMD (areal bone mineral density) (g/cm2) measures among premenopausal women. A secondary purpose was to look specifically at the relationship between moderate intensity level data and aBMD. Forty-two pre-menopausal women from central Minnesota participated in the summer of 2011. Body mass index, calcium, vitamin D, total, and moderate intensity steps were tallied, and hip and lumbar spine aBMD was measured. Significant bivariate correlations (p < .05) were found between calcium and femoral, lumbar spine, and L2 aBMD measures. No correlations were found between age or vitamin D intake and aBMD measures. Significant bivariate correlations were also found between body mass index and L1, L3, L4, and total hip aBMD. No significant bivariate correlations were found between aBMD measures and total step or moderate intensity counts. Partial correlations, controlling for calcium and body mass index, did not reveal any correlations between total or moderate step counts and aBMD. It is plausible to conclude that the Omron HJ-303 pedometer may not be an appropriate tool for tracking bone building activity. Researchers need to continue to look for a consumer tool that effectively tracks this type of activity for those interested in improving bone health.

Adolescent girls’ reactions to nutrition and physical activity assessment tools and insight into lifestyle habits

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand adolescent girls’ experiences using practical diet and physical activity measurement tools and to explore the food and physical activity settings that influence their lifestyle habits. Design: Mixed methods study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Setting: Large city in the western USA. Participants were recruited from a larger study of girls and families. Methods: A total of 10 girls aged 13–17 years completed a 3-day food diary, a Food Frequency Questionnaire and wore a Fitbit wrist bracelet to measure physical activity for 30 days. Following the data collection period, a structured focus group using a phenomenological approach was held to understand girls’ experiences with the collection tools and to understand the internal and external environments in which they make eating and physical activity decisions. Results: Participants completed an average of 8,459 steps/day. Girls had an average Healthy Eating Index score of 37 (out of 100), with diets being particularly high in added sugars and low in nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Girls perceived the 3-day food diaries and the Fitbit as representing their lives accurately, and had negative perceptions of the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Finally, girls described influences on their lifestyle behaviours, including boredom, summer-break, part-time work, availability and cost. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy and willingness of girls to utilise food diaries and activity trackers. Results confirm poor dietary intake and physical activity in this population, and describe influences on lifestyle behaviours unique to adolescent girls.

Validity and reliability of the Fitbit Zip as a measure of preschool children’s step count

ObjectivesValidation of physical activity measurement tools is essential to determine the relationship between physical activity and health in preschool children, but research to date has not focused on this priority....

Dietary And Physical Activity Measurement Tools Accurately Predict Total Energy Expenditure In Adults Aged 50-74

Dietary And Physical Activity Measurement Tools Accurately Predict Total Energy Expenditure In Adults Aged 50-74

Using stable isotope techniques in nutrition assessments and tracking of global targets post-2015

Stable isotopes are non-radioactive, safe and are applied for various purposes in human health assessment in trace amounts that minimally disturb normal physiology. The International Atomic Energy Agency supports the use of stable isotope techniques to design and evaluate interventions addressing malnutrition in all its forms with focus on infant and young child feeding; maternal and adolescent nutrition; diet quality; prevention and control of non-communicable diseases; healthy ageing and gut function. These techniques can be used to objectively measure: (1) amount of human milk consumed and whether an infant is exclusively breastfed; (2) body composition in the context of re-feeding programmes for moderate and severe acute malnutrition and as an indicator of the risk for obesity; (3) bioavailability and bioconversion of pro-vitamin A and vitamin A body stores following vitamin A intervention programmes; (4) absorption and retention of iron, zinc and protein; (5) total energy expenditure for validation of physical activity measurement and dietary assessment tools and (6) diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori. Stable isotope techniques will be invaluable in the tracking of global targets on exclusive breast-feeding childhood obesity and anaemia among women. Efforts are underway to make nuclear techniques more affordable, field-friendly and less invasive, and to develop less sophisticated but precise equipment. Advocacy for the wide adoption of the techniques is needed.

New tool to keep track of levels of physical activity at school

Dorothy Lepkowska discusses the importance of physical activity and looks at an online physical activity measurement tool for schools.