How Many Days of Monitoring Predict Physical Activity in Older Adults?
Author Information
Author(s): Teresa L. Hart, Ann M. Swartz, Susan E. Cashin, Scott J. Strath
Primary Institution: Department of Health Sciences, Arizona State University; Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the number of days of monitoring needed to reliably assess physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults.
Conclusion
Three to four days of monitoring are needed to accurately estimate daily physical activity levels in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Three days of accelerometer data are needed to predict physical activity levels.
- Four days of pedometer data are required for accurate predictions.
- Five days of accelerometer data are necessary to estimate sedentary behavior.
Takeaway
To know how active older people are, we need to check their activity for about three to four days.
Methodology
Participants wore pedometers and accelerometers while completing a physical activity log for 21 consecutive days.
Potential Biases
There may be volunteer bias due to the gender imbalance in the sample.
Limitations
The sample was homogeneous in age and health status, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
52 older adults (mean age 69.3 years, range 55-86 years; 13 males and 39 females).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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