[Physical activity and accelerometer; methodological training, recommendations and movement patterns in school]

Abstract

Introduction: Over the last years, the use of accelerometers has become relevant to quantify physical activity among youth. Methods used with accelerometers might modify the results and the possibility to compare different papers. These devices have been proved to be effective and valid quantifying long periods of physical activity compared to other methods.

Objective: To show methodological criteria regarding physical activity assessed by accelerometry with schoolars.

Methodology: It was conducted a review of the literature related to accelerometers and scholar-aged subjects at PubMed from January 2002 to August 2013, selecting 133 papers.

Results: As far as it is shown, it appears to be some tendencies related to the choice of attachment of the device, wearing time and a shorter epoch-length; however, it has been found a wide variability regarding the model of accelerometer and cutoff points used.

Discussion and conclusions: The different criterion used makes it difficult to compare methodological aspects among studies in spite of some papers carried out similar methods.