Table 2.
Basic characteristics and dimensions of physical activity assessed by direct measures described in this review
Tool | Dimensions of Physical Activitya |
---|---|
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 | |
|
Other: energy expenditure can be calculated from calibration equation |
Pedometry |
I: Step counts per unit time. |
|
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 | |
|
Other: energy expenditure can be calculated from oxygen consumption |
Doubly labeled water |
FITT: not evaluated |
|
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 | |
|
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 | |
Other: Environment of activity, presence of others, behavioral cues, barriers |
a.Abbreviations: FITT frequency, intensity, type, & time.