scholarly journals Monitoring Physical Activity: Uses and Measurement Issues With Automated Counters

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Granner ◽  
Patricia A. Sharpe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Infrared Sensors ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Measurement Issues ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
Validation Research

Background:Promotion of physical activity is a public health priority, and environmental factors influence physical activity behavior. Valid and reliable automated measurement tools of physical activity for assessment and evaluation within public settings are needed.Methods:Searches of the research literature and governmental reports from physical activity, transportation, and recreation fields were conducted to identify methods of automated counting and validation studies. The article provides a summary of (a) current methods and uses of automated counters, (b) information about validity and reliability where available, (c) strengths and limitations of each method, and (d) measurement issues.Results:Existing automated counting technology has strengths and limitations. Infrared sensors have been the most commonly used type of monitor and can mark date and time of passage, but are vulnerable to errors due to environmental conditions; cannot detect more than one person passing at a time; cannot identify mode of activity or distinguish among individuals; and lack consistent and adequate reliability for use in open spaces. Seismic devices and inductive loops may be useful for specific applications. More information is needed concerning the validity and reliability of infrared sensors, seismic devices, and inductive loops for confined areas. Computer imaging systems hold potential to address some of the limitations of other automated counters and for applications in both confined and open areas, but validation research is in the initial stages.Conclusions:Although automated monitoring is a promising method for measurement of physical activity, more research is necessary to determine the acceptable parameters of performance for each type of automated monitor and for which applications each is best suited.

Neighborhood Influences on Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Multilevel Perspective

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuzhong Li ◽  
K. John Fisher ◽  
Adrian Bauman ◽  
Marcia G. Ory ◽  
Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Neighborhood Influences ◽  
Environment Variables ◽  
Multilevel Perspective

Over the past few years, attention has been drawn to the importance of neighborhood influences on physical activity behavior and the need to consider a multilevel analysis involving not only individual-level variables but also social-and physical-environment variables at the neighborhood level in explaining individual differences in physical activity outcomes. This new paradigm raises a series of issues concerning systems of influence observed at different hierarchical levels (e.g., individuals, neighborhoods) and variables that can be defined at each level. This article reviews research literature and discusses substantive, operational, and statistical issues in studies involving multilevel influences on middle-aged and older adults’ physical activity. To encourage multilevel research, the authors propose a model that focuses attention on multiple levels of influence and the interaction among variables characterizing individuals, among variables characterizing neighborhoods, and across both levels. They conclude that a multilevel perspective is needed to increase understanding of the multiple influences on physical activity.

scholarly journals Validity and Reliability of the Index of Self-Regulation Scale for Physical Activity in Older Korean Americans

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-A Yeom ◽  
Julie Fleury
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Oblique Rotation ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Older Korean Americans

The Korean version of the index of self-regulation (KISR) is a nine-item scale designed to measure individuals' level of self-regulation for physical activity. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the KISR, including reliability and validity, in a group of older Korean Americans. The KISR was administered to a sample of older Korean Americans at a baseline interview (Time 1) and 12 week followup (Time 2). The internal consistency of the KISR was high at both time points, with Cronbach's alphas of .94 and .95, respectively. The test-retest reliability was moderate-to-high at .68. There was evidence of construct validity of the KISR based on its moderate to high significant correlations with theoretically relevant variables, including motivational appraisal and self-efficacy for physical activity. A principal axis factoring with an oblique rotation resulted in two factors, explaining 89% of the variance. The KISR is a reliable and valid measure to assess the level of self-regulation for physical activity behavior in older Korean Americans.

Habit Formation Among Regular Exercisers at Fitness Centers: An Exploratory Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karyn Tappe ◽  
Ellen Tarves ◽  
Jayme Oltarzewski ◽  
Deirdra Frum
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Exercise Adherence ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Self Report ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Exercise Frequency ◽  
Fitness Clubs ◽  
Measurement Tools

Background:Predictive modeling for physical activity behavior has included many different psychological components, including planning, motivation, personality, and self-efficacy. However, habit formation in exercise maintenance has not been well explored and lacks reliable measurement tools. The current study explores novel survey questions that examine behavioral components of exercise habit, including frequency, environmental cuing, and temporal constancy of behavior. We then relate these concepts to an established psychological measure of habit, the Self-Report Habit Inventory (SRHI).Methods:One hundred and seventy-four exercisers were surveyed at 2 private fitness clubs. A single questionnaire was administered that included the SRHI and the novel behavioral questions developed from habit formation concepts.Results:Habit formation was reported by many of the exercisers. Participants scoring higher on the SRHI also reported higher frequency of physical activity and a higher probability of environmental cuing. Exercise frequency did not correlate well with environmental cuing.Conclusions:Habit formation appears relevant to the physical activity patterns of many regular exercisers. However, wide variation in response styles was evident suggesting further development and exploration of the novel questionnaire is warranted. The ultimate goals are to include habit in predictive models of physical activity, and then to inform interventions to increase exercise adherence.

scholarly journals The Use of Pedometers for Monitoring Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: Measurement Considerations

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy A. Clemes ◽  
Stuart J.H. Biddle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Ambulatory Activity ◽  
Surveillance Studies ◽  
Measurement Issues ◽  
Wear Time ◽  
Habitual Activity

Background:Pedometers are increasingly being used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. This review provides an overview of common measurement issues relating to their use.Methods:Studies addressing the following measurement issues in children/adolescents (aged 3−18 years) were included: pedometer validity and reliability, monitoring period, wear time, reactivity, and data treatment and reporting. Pedometer surveillance studies in children/adolescents (aged: 4−18 years) were also included to enable common measurement protocols to be highlighted.Results:In children > 5 years, pedometers provide a valid and reliable, objective measure of ambulatory activity. Further evidence is required on pedometer validity in preschool children. Across all ages, optimal monitoring frames to detect habitual activity have yet to be determined; most surveillance studies use 7 days. It is recommended that standardized wear time criteria are established for different age groups, and that wear times are reported. As activity varies between weekdays and weekend days, researchers interested in habitual activity should include both types of day in surveillance studies. There is conflicting evidence on the presence of reactivity to pedometers.Conclusions:Pedometers are a suitable tool to objectively assess ambulatory activity in children (> 5 years) and adolescents. This review provides recommendations to enhance the standardization of measurement protocols.

Impact of regular physical activity awareness sessions by primary care physicians in rural India

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Inamdar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Score ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Behavior

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Regular physical activity is associated with improved physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, depression and obesity. Patients frequently identify their family physicians as an important source of constant encouragement for physical activity. Purpose We wanted to assess the impact of regular awareness sessions about physical activity by Primary care physicians in adults.  Methods 73 participants between the age group 30 to 60 years were recruited in this single center study in rural India.70 participants completed this 6 month intervention study whereas 3 participants dropped out of study. Once in a month audio visual awareness session of one hour were conducted from August 2017 to January 2018 by primary care physicians to educate the participants about ill effects of sedentary lifestyle and benefits of regular physical activity. Pre and post intervention data were collected by using validated Godin leisure time exercise questionnaire from all 70 participants. Paired t test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Percentage increase in physical activity score was also calculated. Results In this study baseline Godin score pre intervention were 38.82 ± 12.22 (Mean ± SD) and post intervention were 65.98 ± 11.25 (Mean ± SD). Participants significantly improved Godin score post intervention which were statistically significant (p: < 0.001) . Compared to baseline pre intervention score, there was 170% increase in physical activity score post intervention. Conclusions Results of this intervention suggest that regular awareness sessions using modern technology is cost effective in changing physical activity behavior in people. Active involvement of primary care physician in this intervention will further help in establishing and continuing physical activity behavior. Physicians can play a major role in promotion of physical activity. As primary care physicians have direct regular contact with their patients and their families, their role in promotion of physical activity will have more impact and long-lasting effect on patient’s behavior. We assume that similar studies are needed to promote physical activity in the people.

scholarly journals La Educación Física: ¿Una oportunidad para la promoción de la actividad física? (Physical Education: ¿An opportunity to promote physical activity?)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Abarca-Sos ◽  
Berta Murillo Pardo ◽  
José Antonio Julián Clemente ◽  
Javier Zaragoza Casterad ◽  
Eduardo Generelo Lanaspa
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Education And Health ◽  
Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Development Of Attitudes

A pesar de que la inactividad física está reconocida como un importante factor que contribuye al incremento de los niveles de obesidad y de otros problemas de salud, la mayoría de niños y adolescentes de las sociedades occidentales no realizan suficiente actividad física, para llegar a generar beneficios para su salud. El centro escolar representa una oportunidad para promocionar la actividad física, porque los niños permanecen gran parte de su tiempo en él. Para muchos escolares, las clases de Educación Física suponen el único momento a lo largo de la semana, en el que realizan práctica de actividad física. Tradicionalmente se ha considerado a la Educación Física como un área privilegiada en la promoción de la actividad física, bien de una manera directa, contribuyendo a la acumulación diaria de actividad física recomendada, bien de forma indirecta, promoviendo la actividad física fuera del centro escolar, a través del desarrollo de actitudes y competencias que permitan incorporar la conducta hacer práctica de actividad física, en el estilo de vida del individuo. Este artículo supone una reflexión sobre las relaciones entre la Educación Física y la promoción de la actividad física, analizando por un lado, el papel que debe jugar nuestra área que quizá deba estar más preocupada por atender aquellos aspectos motivacionales que favorezcan la adherencia a la práctica de actividad física presente y futura, y por otro, el rol del profesor de Educación Física, como facilitador y promotor de un estilo de vida activo y saludable, en coherencia con el modelo pedagógico de Educación Física y Salud.Abstract. Although physical inactivity is recognized as an important factor contributing to rising levels of obesity and other health problems, the majority of children and adolescents in Western societies do not get enough physical activity to generate health benefits. The school setting represents an opportunity to promote physical activity, because children spend much of their time in it. For many students, the Physical Education lessons represent the only time during the week in which they perform physical activity. It has traditionally been considered that physical education as a privileged area for the promotion of physical activity, in a direct way, contributing to the daily accumulation of physical activity recommended, and indirectly, promoting physical activity outside school, through the development of attitudes and skills which can help incorporate physical activity behavior in the lifestyle of the individual. This article is a reflection on the relationship between physical education and the promotion of physical activity, analyzing, first, the role to be played by our field that may need to be more concerned with addressing those motivational aspects that promote adherence to physical activity in the present and the future, and secondly, the role of the physical education teacher, as facilitator and promoter of an active, healthy lifestyle, consistent with the pedagogical model of Physical Education and health.

What Have We Learned From Physiological Approaches to Characterizing Dysarthria and Other Speech Production Disorders?

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Etter
Keyword(s):  
Speech Production ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Physiological Measures ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Assessment Measures ◽  
Perceptual Assessment ◽  
Perceptual Characteristics ◽  
Diagnostic Resolution

Traditionally, speech-language pathologists (SLP) have been trained to develop interventions based on a select number of perceptual characteristics of speech without or through minimal use of objective instrumental and physiologic assessment measures of the underlying articulatory subsystems. While indirect physiological assumptions can be made from perceptual assessment measures, the validity and reliability of those assumptions are tenuous at best. Considering that neurological damage will result in various degrees of aberrant speech physiology, the need for physiologic assessments appears highly warranted. In this context, do existing physiological measures found in the research literature have sufficient diagnostic resolution to provide distinct and differential data within and between etiological classifications of speech disorders and versus healthy controls? The goals of this paper are (a) to describe various physiological and movement-related techniques available to objectively study various dysarthrias and speech production disorders and (b) to develop an appreciation for the need for increased systematic research to better define physiologic features of dysarthria and speech production disorders and their relation to know perceptual characteristics.

Physical activity behavior change: Issues in adoption and maintenance.

2000 ◽  
Vol 19 (1, Suppl) ◽  
pp. 32-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bess H. Marcus ◽  
LeighAnn H. Forsyth ◽  
Elaine J. Stone ◽  
Patricia M. Dubbert ◽  
Thomas L. McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Activity Behavior ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior Change
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