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Accelerometry and physical activity questionnaires - a systematic review
Stephanie Skender1,2, Jennifer Ose3, Jenny Chang-Claude4
1Division of Preventive Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
BMC Public Health
|June 17, 2016
Summary
This review found accelerometers show slightly more consistent physical activity results in men compared to questionnaires. Combining both methods is advised for comprehensive physical activity data.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity measurement is crucial for health research.
- Accelerometers and questionnaires are common tools for assessing physical activity.
- Understanding their correlations and optimal usage is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review accelerometer wear protocols.
- To examine correlations between accelerometry and physical activity questionnaires.
- To assess how participant characteristics influence these correlations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 57 articles meeting inclusion criteria (≥100 adults, English manuscripts).
- Comparison of accelerometer wear methods (duration, placement).
- Analysis of correlation coefficients (Pearson, Spearman) and differences by gender, age, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Most studies required 7 days of wear, typically on the hip.
- Correlations between methods varied widely (r=0.08 to 0.58 for men, -0.02 to 0.49 for women).
- Results showed some differences based on gender and age, with inconsistent findings for BMI.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometers may offer more consistent physical activity data in men.
- Limited consistency across studies highlights the need for standardized methods.
- Using both accelerometers and questionnaires provides the most complete physical activity assessment.
