Assessment of physical activity and sedentarybehaviour

PurposeThe National Physical Activity Guidelines

Dimensions of Physical ActivityMethods used to Measure Physical Activity

Appropriate instruments for different groups

What is the main purposes of measuring physical activityAt the population level:To document the frequency and distribution of physical

activity in defined population groupsTo monitor the achievement of physical activity guidelines and

population trends over timeTo study the relationship between physical activity and health

conditions (for example, cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and mental health)

To determine the amount or dose of physical activity required to influence specific health parameters

To identify the biological, psychological and environmental factors that influence physical activity

To evaluate the effectiveness of large-scale physical activity intervention programs

What is the main purposes of measuring physical activityAt an individual levelTo detect change in an individual’s health

and/or behaviourTo determine the effect of any change in

physical activity behaviour

The National Physical Activity Guidelines

Levels of evaluation for a school-based physical activity intervention

Determining physical activityThe only way we can determine whether a physical activity program increases a person’s physical activity behaviour is to:Measure their physical activity prior to the

introduction of the program (pre-intervention or baseline testing)

Repeat the assessment during the intervention or using identical measures at the conclusion of the program (post-test or post-intervention)

Repeat the assessment again some time later, such as 12 months after post-intervention. (This is known as follow-up.)

Measuring the dimensions of physical activity

Assessing the type of physical activityTo determine the energy expenditure associated-

metabolic equivalent (MET)To assess what proportion of physical activity is

accumulated within the various domains of physical activity, such as household and gardening, active transport, occupation or (for youth) school and leisure-time physical activity

To determine the most common activities performed by particular population subgroups, or within a specific context or setting. For example, children in Year 1 participate in very different types of physical activities and sedentary behaviours compared to those in Year 9. Direct observation measures could be used to determine the most common activities for each different year level.

Measuring intensity of physical activity

Measuring frequency of physical activityFinding a definition- understanding the

concept

Measuring duration of physical activityFinding a definition- understanding the

concept

Methods used to monitor physical activity at the individual and population level

Instrument F/I/D/T/C/EX Expense Reactivity

Selection of measurement instruments

Explain the trade-off between the accuracy and practicality of a physical activity measure.

Subjective measures of physical activityMethod- Definition

Advantages Disadvantages

Objective measures of physical activityMethod- Definition

Advantages Disadvantages

Make sure the assessment instrument is appropriate for the target group