How to assess physical activity? How to assess physical fitness?

Abstract

Regular aerobic physical activity (PA) increases exercise capacity and physical fitness (PF), which can lead to many health benefits. Accurate quantification of PA and PF becomes essential in terms of health outcome and effectiveness of intervention programmes. In this manuscript we present a review regarding the assessment of physical activity and fitness. Three types of PA assessment methods can be distinguished: criterion methods, objective methods and subjective methods. Criterion methods like doubly labelled water, indirect calorimetry and direct observation are the most reliable and valid measurements against which all other PA assessments methods should be validated, but they also hold important drawbacks. Objective PA assessment methods include activity monitors (pedometers and accelerometers) and heart rate monitoring. Finally, questionnaires and activity diaries are considered subjective methods. For the assessment of PF, we distinguish field tests and laboratory tests. The Eurofit for Adults is a test battery that is designed to assess health-related fitness of individuals, communities, sub-populations and populations. It is mainly used for evaluating the morphological component, the muscular component, the motor component and the cardio-respiratory component. In the laboratory, exercise capacity is preferentially assessed through maximal incremental exercise testing. Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing is a well-established procedure that provides a wealth of clinically diagnostic and prognostic information. The peak oxygen uptake is the gold standard in the assessment of exercise tolerance. When maximal exercise is contraindicated or not achievable, the VAT or the submaximal slopes provide reasonable alternatives.

Analysis of bedside entertainment services’ effect on post cardiac surgery physical activity: a prospective, randomised clinical trial

“…We used pedometers to quantify postoperative patient mobilisation, since they have been found to be a valid method for assessing physical activity [5][6][7]. Patients from both groups were given a standard Omron HJ-109-E pedometer to wear at all times throughout their postoperative stay.…”

Methodology of physical-activity and energy-expenditure assessment: a review

“…Each method may obtain different estimates of PA behavior. A careful overview of the strengths and limitations of all available techniques is essential before making the choice of an appropriate assessment method for a specific research question (Vanhees et al 2005). Currently, questionnaires are the most practical means of measuring PA in large population studies.…”

Value of exercise capacity and physical activity in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases—brief review of the current literature

“…More apparent risks of physical inactivity were established in the methodologically better studies than in the less well-designed ones (Vanhees et al 2005).…”

“…Nevertheless, the evaluation of physical activity with these methods remains somewhat subjective. It is often emphasized that the limitations of the measurement of physical activity are the main reason why a clear-cut assessment of the prognostic and preventive value of physical activity is impossible (Sternfeld et al 1999;Vanhees et al 2005). …”

“…In a review presented by Powell et al and a meta-analysis presented by Berlin and Colditz as well as in a recent paper by Vanhees et al the preventive effectiveness of leisure-time activity and physical activity at work was emphasized (Powell et al 1987;Berlin and Colditz 1990;Vanhees et al 2005).…”