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A systematic literature review of reviews on techniques for physical activity measurement in adults: a DEDIPAC study.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Dowd, Kieran P 
Szeklicki, Robert 
Minetto, Marco Alessandro 
Murphy, Marie H 
Polito, Angela 

Abstract

The links between increased participation in Physical Activity (PA) and improvements in health are well established. As this body of evidence has grown, so too has the search for measures of PA with high levels of methodological effectiveness (i.e. validity, reliability and responsiveness to change). The aim of this "review of reviews" was to provide a comprehensive overview of the methodological effectiveness of currently employed measures of PA, to aid researchers in their selection of an appropriate tool. A total of 63 review articles were included in this review, and the original articles cited by these reviews were included in order to extract detailed information on methodological effectiveness.Self-report measures of PA have been most frequently examined for methodological effectiveness, with highly variable findings identified across a broad range of behaviours. The evidence-base for the methodological effectiveness of objective monitors, particularly accelerometers/activity monitors, is increasing, with lower levels of variability observed for validity and reliability when compared to subjective measures. Unfortunately, responsiveness to change across all measures and behaviours remains under-researched, with limited information available.Other criteria beyond methodological effectiveness often influence tool selection, including cost and feasibility. However, researchers must be aware of the methodological effectiveness of any measure selected for use when examining PA. Although no "perfect" tool for the examination of PA in adults exists, it is suggested that researchers aim to incorporate appropriate objective measures, specific to the behaviours of interests, when examining PA in free-living environments.

Description

Keywords

Accelerometry, Adults, Assessment, Heart rate monitors, Measurement, Motion sensors, Pedometers, Physical activity, Questionnaires, Self-report, Accelerometry, Adult, Exercise, Health Surveys, Humans, Male, Reproducibility of Results, Self Report

Journal Title

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1479-5868
1479-5868

Volume Title

15

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/3)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179473)