Translating The Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Recommendation To Steps Per Day: Influence Of The Cut-point Method

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to use a novel accelerometer metric, the minimum acceleration value above which the most active accumulated x-min are accumulated, and to apply it to data collected in primary school children to explore its utility for reporting the most active 30-min during the school day. The aims were to (i) investigate associations between the most active 30-min during the school day (M30ACC) metric and health indicators, and (ii) demonstrate that applying an equivalent cut-point to the M30ACC metric will give similar, and therefore comparable prevalence results as a traditional moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) cut-point approach.Methods:Data were available for 297 children (156 girls; age 10 years) who wore wrist-mounted accelerometers for 7-days. School day MVPA and the minimum acceleration value above which the most active 30-min were accumulated during school (M30ACC) were calculated. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (number of 20-m shuttle run test (SRT) laps) were also measured. Mixed linear models investigated associations between M30ACC and health indicators. Agreement between ranked MVPA and M30ACC values was assessed using percent agreement, kappa, sensitivity, and specificity statistics. Results:The mean M30ACC value was 242.7 (99.3) mg, and mean school day MVPA was 34.3 (14.8) min. M30ACC thresholds related to health indicators were 213 mg (BMI), 206 mg (WHtR), and 269 mg (CRF) for girls. The equivalent values for boys were 234mg (BMI), 230 mg (WHtR), and 327 mg (CRF). The 30 min school day MVPA guideline averaged for the week and on every valid day was achieved by 54.9% and 24.9% of the sample, respectively. 63.0% of the participants achieved the equivalent M30ACC threshold averaged for the week, and 20.2% achieved it on every valid day of the week. Less than half of girls and 75% of boys accumulated 30 min of school day MVPA. Just less than 50% of girls and >80% of boys had M30ACC values ≥200 mg, which is equivalent to brisk walking. Agreement between MVPA and M30ACC tertiles was high, reflected by the agreement (89.2% to 94.6%), Kappa scores (0.76 to 0.86), and values for sensitivity and specificity, which exceeded 90%.Conclusions:The results demonstrate the utility of M30ACC as a PA metric that is based on measured accelerations and is not heavily influenced by researcher decisions. M30ACC has potential as an accelerometer-specific metric for generating PA guidelines related to health indicators, and easily understood forms of activity, such as brisk walking.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior among overweight young adults: A year-long longitudinal analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28317 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Victoria Costello ◽

Guillaume Chevance ◽

David Wing ◽

Shadia J, Assi ◽

Sydney Sharp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Daily Living ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted multiple aspects of daily living, including behaviors associated with occupation, transportation, and health. It is unclear how these changes to daily living impacted physical activity and sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the COVID-19 mitigation strategies on physical activity and sedentary behavior among young adults enrolled in an ongoing weight loss trial using longitudinal data acquired from wrist-worn activity monitors over the course of 1 year in San Diego, CA. METHODS Date were collected in 315 participants between 11/01/2019 and 10/30/2020 using the Fitbit Charge 3. After strict filtering for valid consistent wear (more than 10 hours per day for 250+ days), data from 97 participants were analyzed to detect multiple structural changes in time series of physical activity and sedentary behavior. RESULTS After initiation of the shelter-in-place order in CA on 03/19/2021, there were significant decreases in step counts (-2872 steps per day, 95% CI [-2734; -3010]), light physical activity (-41·9 minutes, 95% CI [39·5, 44·3]), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (-12·2 minutes, 95% CI [10·6, 13·8]), as well as significant increases in sedentary behavior (+52·8 minutes, 95% CI [47.0, 58.5]). Decreases were greater than expected declines observed during winter holidays, and as of 10/30/2020, they had not returned to levels observed prior to shelter-in-place orders. CONCLUSIONS In young adults, physical activity decreased and sedentary behavior increased concurrent with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Health conditions associated with sedentary lifestyle may be additional unintended costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICALTRIAL NIH 5R01HL136769-03)

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Ability of RT3 Accelerometer Cut Points to Detect Physical Activity Intensity in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly ◽

10.1123/apaq.2013-0088 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 310-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jennifer Ryan ◽

Michael Walsh ◽

John Gormley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Physical Activity Intensity ◽

Cut Points ◽

Cut Point ◽

Activity Intensity ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Children With Cerebral Palsy

This study investigated the ability of published cut points for the RT3 accelerometer to differentiate between levels of physical activity intensity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Oxygen consumption (metabolic equivalents; METs) and RT3 data (counts/min) were measured during rest and 5 walking trials. METs and corresponding counts/min were classified as sedentary, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) according to MET thresholds. Counts were also classified according to published cut points. A published cut point exhibited an excellent ability to classify sedentary activity (sensitivity = 89.5%, specificity = 100.0%). Classification accuracy decreased when published cut points were used to classify LPA (sensitivity = 88.9%, specificity = 79.6%) and MVPA (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 95–97%). Derivation of a new cut point improved classification of both LPA and MVPA. Applying published cut points to RT3 accelerometer data collected in children with CP may result in misclassification of LPA and MVPA.

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Accelerometer-Determined Lifestyle Activities in U.S. Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.8.3.382 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 382-389 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Sarah M. Camhi ◽

Susan B. Sisson ◽

William D. Johnson ◽

Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽

Catrine Tudor-Locke

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mexican Americans ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Sampling Weights ◽

Activity Data ◽

Demographic Groups ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Independent Effects ◽

Demographic Subgroups ◽

Lifestyle Activities

Background:Objective physical activity data analyses focus on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) without considering lower intensity lifestyle-type activities (LA). We describe 1) quantity of LA (minutes and steps per day) across demographic groups, 2) proportion of LA to total physical activity, and 3) relationships between LA and MVPA using NHANES 2005−2006 accelerometer adult data (n = 3744).Methods:LA was defined as 760 to 2019 counts per minute (cpm) and MVPA as ≥2020 cpm. LA was compared within gender, ethnicity, age, and BMI groups. Regression analyses examined independent effects. Correlations were evaluated between LA and MVPA. All analyses incorporated sampling weights to represent national estimates.Results:Adults spent 110.4 ± 1.6 minutes and took 3476 ± 54 steps per day in LA. Similar to MVPA, LA was highest in men, Mexican Americans, and lowest in adults ≥60 years or obese. When LA was held constant, ethnic differences no longer predicted MVPA minutes, and age no longer predicted MVPA steps. LA and MVPA minutes (r = .84) and steps per day (r = .72) were significantly correlated, but attenuated with MVPA modified bouts (≥10 minutes sustained activity).Conclusions:LA accumulation differs between demographic subgroups and is related to MVPA: adults who spend more minutes and steps in MVPA also spend them in LA.

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The association of actigraphic sleep measures and physical activity with excess weight and adiposity in kindergarteners

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82101-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Justyna Wyszyńska ◽

Piotr Matłosz ◽

Agnieszka Szybisty ◽

Katarzyna Dereń ◽

Artur Mazur ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Sleep Efficiency ◽

Excess Weight ◽

Excess Adiposity ◽

Sleep Parameters ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Objectively Measured

AbstractInsufficient sleep duration and physical activity (PA) are known risk factors for overweight and obesity in children; however, there are no studies on comprehensive associations of objectively-measured sleep parameters and PA with excess weight and excess adiposity in kindergarteners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the associations between objectively measured sleep parameters and PA with excess weight and excess adiposity, defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile and body fat percentage (BFP) ≥ 85th percentile, respectively. Sleep parameters and PA were measured in 676 subjects aged 5–6 years using accelerometers for 7 days, worn at the participant’s hip. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate BFP. In the total sample, lower sleep duration, sleep efficiency, vigorous PA and the number of steps per day were associated with excess weight. However, excess adiposity was associated with lower sleep duration, total PA, vigorous PA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the number of steps per day. Logistic regression by the stepwise progressive method showed that the strongest predictor of excess adiposity in boys and girls was vigorous PA, while the strongest predictor of excess weight in boys was sleep efficiency. A holistic approach to health targeting all of these factors synergistically is needed to optimize the effectiveness of obesity prevention and treatment interventions.

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Higher Physical Activity of School Personnel Is Related to More Positive Attitudes towards Children’s Physical Activity at School

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su131910909 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 10909

Author(s):

Getter Marie Lemberg ◽

Merike Kull ◽

Katrin Mägi ◽

Henri Tilga ◽

Kerli Mooses ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Role Models ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

School Personnel ◽

World Health ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Recommendation ◽

School Employees ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Students Attitudes

School personnel can struggle with meeting the daily physical activity recommendation; however, they are role models for students, and their attitudes towards physical activity can impact students’ physical activity habits. The aim was to assess school personnel’s physical activity and their attitudes regarding the importance of physical activity among students. The physical activity levels of 1030 school employees in Estonia were assessed using an accelerometer. Participants also responded to a questionnaire about physical activity habits, overall health, and attitudes about the importance of physical activity among students. About 92.6% of the participants met the World Health Organisation’s weekly physical activity recommendation. However, 69.1% of the accelerometer wearing time was spent being sedentary. Only 5.8% of the wearing time was spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity. More active school personnel believed their lead affects students’ attitudes towards physical activity (r = 0.072–0.156, p < 0.05) and being active at recess facilitates a peaceful learning environment in the classroom (r = 0.064–0.072, p < 0.05). Whereas more sedentary school personnel did not encourage students to be active at recess (r = −0.073, p < 0.05). More active school personnel had more positive attitudes towards physical activity, which demonstrates the importance of focusing on encouraging physical activity among school personnel as they can affect the behaviour of students.

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How Many Valid Days Are Necessary to Assess Physical Activity Data From Accelerometry During Pregnancy?

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2020-0636 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 337-344

Author(s):

Danilo Fernandes da Silva ◽

Shuhiba Mohammad ◽

Taniya Singh Nagpal ◽

Sara Carolina Scremin Souza ◽

Rachel C. Colley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Late Pregnancy ◽

Kappa Statistics ◽

Paired Comparisons ◽

Activity Data ◽

Gestational Period ◽

Intraclass Correlations ◽

Steps Per Day

Background: The authors examined whether or not ≤3 days wearing Actical® accelerometers provided acceptable results in comparison with the recommendation of ≥4 days in women across gestation. Methods: A total of 26, 76, and 57 participants at early, mid, and late pregnancy, respectively, were assessed. Participants were instructed to wear the device for 7 days and women who wore it for ≥4 days were included. For each participant, 3, 2, and 1 day(s) were randomly selected. Paired comparisons, intraclass correlations coefficients, and kappa statistics were performed for ≥4 days (criterion) versus 3, 2, and 1 day(s). Averages (in minutes per day) of sedentary time, light, moderate, vigorous, moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and steps per day were examined. Results: When 3 valid days were compared with the criterion, no significant differences were found for any gestational period. The intraclass correlations coefficients were “high” for all PA-related variables. The k values varied from .819 to .838 across pregnancy (“strong”). Two and 1 valid day(s) versus the criterion showed significant differences in some PA intensities, reduced intraclass correlations coefficients, “moderate” k values for 2 valid days (.638–.788) and “minimal-to-moderate” k values for 1 valid day (.367–.755). Conclusion: In pregnant women during early, mid, and late pregnancy, PA data obtained from 3 valid days of wear was equivalent and agreed with ≥4 valid days.

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Accelerometer Assessment of Physical Activity in Active, Healthy Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.17.1.17 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 17-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 204

Author(s):

Jennifer L. Copeland ◽

Dale W. Esliger

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Cut Point ◽

Rich Information ◽

The Rich ◽

Older Populations

Despite widespread use of accelerometers to objectively monitor physical activity among adults and youth, little attention has been given to older populations. The purpose of this study was to define an accelerometer-count cut point for a group of older adults and to then assess the group’s physical activity for 7 days. Participants (N= 38, age 69.7 ± 3.5 yr) completed a laboratory-based calibration with an Actigraph 7164 accelerometer. The cut point defining moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 1,041 counts/min. On average, participants obtained 68 min of MVPA per day, although more than 65% of this occurred as sporadic activity. Longer bouts of activity occurred in the morning (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) more frequently than other times of the day. Almost 14 hr/day were spent in light-intensity activity. This study demonstrates the rich information that accelerometers provide about older adult activity patterns—information that might further our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and healthy aging.

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Association between Active Transportation and Public Transport with an Objectively Measured Meeting of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Daily Steps Guidelines in Adults by Sex from Eight Latin American Countries

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111553 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11553

Author(s):

Diego Herreros-Irarrázabal ◽

Juan Guzmán-Habinger ◽

Sandra Mahecha Matsudo ◽

Irina Kovalskys ◽

Georgina Gómez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latin American ◽

Public Transport ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Active Transportation ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Mode Of Transportation ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

Latin American Countries

This study aimed to examine the associations between active transportation and public transport and the objectively measured meeting of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps per day guidelines in adults by sex from eight Latin American countries. As part of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), data were collected from 2524 participants aged 18–65 years. MVPA and steps per day were evaluated using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. The mode of transportation, its frequency and duration were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The average time dedicated to active transportation was 12.8 min/day in men (IQR: 2.8–30.0) and 12.9 min/day in women (IQR: 4.3–25.7). A logistic regression analysis was conducted, showing that active transportation (≥10 min) was associated with higher odds of meeting MVPA guidelines (men: OR: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.58–2.54; women: OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.25–1.96). These results show a greater association when considering active transportation plus public transport (men: OR: 2.98; 95%CI: 2.31–3.91; women: OR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.45–2.29). Active transportation plus public transport was positively associated with meeting steps per day guidelines only in men (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.15–2.10). This study supports the suggestion that active transportation plus public transport is significantly associated with meeting the MVPA and daily steps recommendations.

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Individual Scaling of Accelerometry to Preferred Walking Speed in the Assessment of Physical Activity in Older Adults

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glaa142 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (9) ◽

pp. e111-e118 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Karavirta ◽

Timo Rantalainen ◽

Heidi Skantz ◽

Inna Lisko ◽

Erja Portegijs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Age Groups ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Surveillance Period ◽

Walking Test ◽

Cut Point ◽

Metabolic Equivalents

Abstract Background Walking forms a large portion of physical activity (PA) of older adults. We assessed free-living PA using acceleration corresponding to preferred walking speed as a relative cut-point and studied how it relates to age. We compared the relative cut-point to a common absolute cut-point of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method Four hundred forty-four community-dwelling adults aged 75, 80, and 85 years wore an accelerometer on the thigh during a PA surveillance period and a modified 6-minute walking test (6MWT) at preferred speed. Each individual’s mean acceleration (g) during the 6MWT was used as a cut-point for relative PA. Acceleration corresponding to three metabolic equivalents (METs) was used as the cut-point for absolute MVPA. Results When using the acceleration of preferred walking speed as a cut-point, 62 (SD 82) minutes a week of relative PA was detected, compared to 228 (163) minutes of absolute MVPA. For 96% of the participants, the acceleration generated by their preferred walking speed exceeded the common absolute cut-point for MVPA. Absolute MVPA was lower in the older age groups, and 6MWT speed explained 22% of its variation (p < .001), whereas relative PA was independent of walking speed and age. Conclusions Preferred walking speed was a significant contributor to absolute MVPA and those who walked the slowest accumulated the least MVPA. Assessing relative PA using the intensity of preferred walking speed as a cut-point eliminated the dependency of PA on age and walking speed, and may be a feasible scaling option to evaluate relative PA among older people.

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