Table 2 Basic characteristics and dimensions of physical activity assessed by direct measures described in this review
Tool | Dimensions of Physical Activity a |
|---|---|
Accelerometry | F: bouts of continuous activity above a predetermined intensity threshold |
I: activity counts per unit time | |
T: only activities where accelerations change. Activity of light, moderate, vigorous activity based on cut points. | |
T: total volume of activity (min); time spent in activities above a predetermined intensity threshold level | |
| Â | Other: energy expenditure can be calculated from calibration equation |
Pedometry | I: Step counts per unit time. |
| Â | T: walking |
Indirect Calorimetry | F: bouts of continuous activity above a predetermined intensity threshold |
I: average oxygen consumption | |
T: activity of light, moderate, vigorous activity based on cut points. | |
T: total volume of activity (min) times spent in activities above a predetermined intensity threshold level | |
| Â | Other: energy expenditure can be calculated from oxygen consumption |
Doubly labeled water | FITT: not evaluated |
| Â | Other: energy expenditure calculated from carbon dioxide production |
Heart Rate Monitoring | F: bouts of activities/unit time greater than predetermined thresholds |
I: beats per min, average heart rate per day or time interval | |
T: activities of different intensities based on cut points | |
T: Duration of time spent activities of different intensities based on cut points | |
| Â | Other: Energy expenditure can be calculated from group or individual calibration curves |
Direct Observation | F: level of detail varies depending on observation protocol |
T: level of detail varies depending on observation protocol | |
T: level of detail varies depending on observation protocol | |
| Â | Other: Environment of activity, presence of others, behavioral cues, barriers |