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Review
. 2012 Jan;44(1 Suppl 1):S68-76.
doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182399e5b.

Best practices for using physical activity monitors in population-based research

Charles E Matthews  1 , Maria Hagströmer, David M Pober, Heather R Bowles
Affiliations
Review

Best practices for using physical activity monitors in population-based research

Charles E Matthews et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Jan.

Abstract

The use of physical activity monitors in population-based research has increased dramatically in the past decade. In this report, we review the major purpose for using physical activity monitors in different types of population-based studies (i.e., surveillance, intervention, association studies) and discuss the strengths and weaknesses for the various behavioral outcomes derived from monitors for each study type. We also update and extend previous recommendations for use of these instruments in large-scale studies, particularly with respect to selecting monitor systems in the context of technological advances that have occurred in recent years. The current state of the science with respect to optimal measurement schedules for use of physical activity monitors is also discussed. A checklist and flowchart are provided so that investigators have more guidance when reporting key elements of monitor use in their studies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of time in upright/active and sedentary behaviors in healthy controls and cancer survivors (N=95)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow Chart for reporting physical activity monitoring results
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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