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Considerations when using the activPAL monitor in field based research with adult populations
Edwardson, Charlotte L. Winkler, Elizabeth A. H. Bodicoat, Danielle H. Yates, Tom Davies, Melanie J. Dunstan, David W. Healy, Genevieve N.
Edwardson, Charlotte L.
Winkler, Elizabeth A. H.
Bodicoat, Danielle H.
Yates, Tom
Davies, Melanie J.
Dunstan, David W.
Healy, Genevieve N.
Abstract
Research indicates that high levels of sedentary behavior (sitting or lying with low energy expenditure) are adversely associated with health. A key factor in improving our understanding of the impact of sedentary behavior (and patterns of sedentary time accumulation) on health is the use of objective measurement tools that collect date and time-stamped activity information. One such tool is the activPAL monitor. This thigh-worn device uses accelerometer-derived information about thigh position to determine the start and end of each period spent sitting/lying, standing, and stepping, as well as stepping speed, step counts, and postural transitions. The activPAL is increasingly being used within field-based research for its ability to measure sitting/lying via posture. We summarise key issues to consider when using the activPAL in physical activity and sedentary behavior field-based research with adult populations. It is intended that the findings and discussion points be informative for researchers who are currently using activPAL monitors or are intending to use them. Pre-data collection decisions, monitor preparation and distribution, data collection considerations, and manual and automated data processing possibilities are presented using examples from current literature and experiences from 2 research groups from the UK and Australia.
Keywords
inclinometer, measurement, physical activity, posture, sedentary behavior, sitting
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Sport and Health Science
Book
Volume
6
Issue
2
Page Range
162-178
Article Number
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access
Open