key knowledge 8

Question 1

Why do we measure physical activity levels at a population level ?

Answer 1

To document the frequency and distribution of physical activity in defined population groups
To evaluate the effectiveness of large scale physical activity intervention programs

Question 2

Why do we measure physical activity levels at an individual level ?

Answer 2

To detect change in an individual health and or behaviour
To determine the effect of any change in physical activity behaviour

Question 3

Explain what is meant by a subjective measure

Answer 3

Data collection requires some level of cognitive or perceptual processing by the participants to create the data. Requires to think and record

Question 4

Advantages of subjective measures

Answer 4

cheap
easy
low impact
data on dimensions gathered

Question 5

Disadvantages of Subjective measures

Answer 5

over report
difficulty recalling
can be tedious
not suitable for young children or elderly

Question 6

Explain what is meant by an Objective measure.

Answer 6

Data collection does not need the participant to process information and exists independently of what the participant thinks.

Question 7

Advantages of Objective measures

Answer 7

low impact on participants
sensitive
Minimize measurement errors
allows for a range of data to be collected

Question 8

Disadvantages of Objectives measures

Answer 8

expensive
not suitable for large groups
uncomfortable
complex data

Question 9

Recall Survey

Answer 9

Obtain actual information on activity on specific days.

The dimensions that are being measured are type, time and frequency

measure a person’s physical activity

Question 10

Diary/ log

Answer 10

Ongoing diaries kept by individuals that attempt to capture all sources and patterns of physical activity during a defined time frame.

Measures all dimensions

This can measure an individual’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour

Question 11

Pedometer

Answer 11

Assess the total number of steps they can measure distance, time and energy expenditure
measures physical activity
measures time out of the dimensions

Question 12

Accelerometer

Answer 12

Electronic motion sensors that detect movement in a vertical plane as a combined function of the frequency and intensity of movement
measures physical activity
dimensions measured are frequency and intensity