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Reporting accelerometer methods in physical activity intervention studies: a systematic review and recommendations
Alexander H K Montoye1,2, Rebecca W Moore3, Heather R Bowles4
1Department of Integrative Physiology and Health Science, Alma College, Alma, Michigan, USA.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 20, 2016
Summary
Accelerometer reporting in physical activity (PA) intervention studies is poor and has improved minimally. Recommendations and a template are provided to enhance reporting standards for better scientific reproducibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Exercise science
- Public health
Background:
- Accelerometer use in physical activity (PA) intervention studies has increased significantly.
- Standardized and complete reporting of accelerometer data is crucial for research reproducibility and validity.
- Previous assessments indicate potential gaps in the detailed reporting of accelerometer methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the completeness of accelerometer reporting in PA intervention studies.
- To identify factors influencing the quality of accelerometer reporting over time.
- To provide recommendations for improving future reporting standards.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of PA intervention studies utilizing accelerometers was conducted using the PubMed database.
- Studies published between January 1998 and July 2014 were included.
- Manuscript completeness was assessed using a 12-item checklist covering accelerometer information, data processing, interpretation, and protocol non-compliance.
Main Results:
- The number of studies using accelerometers surged from 1 in 2002 to 29 in early 2014.
- Overall accelerometer reporting completeness showed a weak positive correlation with publication year (r=0.24, p<0.001).
- Reporting completeness for data processing was higher in PA-focused journals (r=0.43, p=0.002) than in general journals (r=0.19, p=0.021). Only 4% of studies reported all components, and 68% reported over half.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometer reporting in PA intervention studies remains suboptimal, with minimal improvement over time.
- There is a need for enhanced reporting guidelines to ensure comprehensive data presentation.
- Recommendations and a standardized reporting template are proposed to improve the quality and consistency of accelerometer data reporting.
