Assessment of Physical Activity in Epidemiologic Research: Problems and Prospects

More than 30 different methods have been used to assess physical activity. These methods can be grouped into seven major categories: calorimetry, job classification, survey procedures, physiological markers, behavioral observation, mechanical and electronic monitors, and dietary measures. No single...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public health reports (1974) 1985-03, Vol.100 (2), p.131-146
Main Authors: Laporte, Ronald E., Montoye, Henry J., Caspersen, Carl J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Calorimetry
Data Collection - methods
Energy
Energy Intake
Epidemiology
Exercise
Heart Rate
Heat measurement
Humans
Leisure time
Monitoring, Physiologic - instrumentation
Monitoring, Physiologic - methods
Movement
Occupations
Physical Exertion
Population studies
Questionnaires
Recreation
Research Design
Special Section: Public Health Aspects of Physical Activity and Exercise
Time Factors
Walking
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Summary:More than 30 different methods have been used to assess physical activity. These methods can be grouped into seven major categories: calorimetry, job classification, survey procedures, physiological markers, behavioral observation, mechanical and electronic monitors, and dietary measures. No single instrument fulfills the criteria of being valid, reliable, and practical while not affecting behavior. The instruments that are very precise tend to be impractical on a population basis. Surveys are the most practical approach in large-scale studies, although little is known about their reliability and validity. Studies employing objective monitoring through heart rate, movement sensors, and doubly labeled water procedures appear promising, but are still experimental and costly. Despite the difficulty of measurement, relatively strong association has been found between physical activity and health, suggesting that, with improvements in assessment techniques, even stronger associations should be seen.
ISSN:0033-3549
1468-2877