Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Measurement of Physical Activity Among Older People

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion

Abstract

The benefits of physical activity (PA) for general well-being in older adults have been widely documented in the last decades, along with the independent detrimental effects of sedentary behaviour (SB) on health. PA measurement in older people is highly relevant for designing, promoting, and assessing intervention plans as well as implementing regular surveillance. However, it is a challenge to identify measurement tools that are suitable, feasible, reliable, and valid. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the different tools available for measuring PA in older adults. We review relative advantages and limitations of tools with a focus on fieldwork. Some innovative approaches and measurement challenges will be described to better understand how tools might be used and interpreted in different settings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aguilar-Farias, N., Brown, W. J., Olds, T. S., & Peeters, G. M. (2015). Validity of self-report methods for measuring sedentary behaviour in older adults. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sports & Exercise, 18(6), 662–666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2014.08.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainslie, P., Reilly, T., & Westerterp, K. (2003). Estimating human energy expenditure: A review of techniques with particular reference to doubly labelled water. Sports Medicine, 33(9), 683–698.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainsworth, B. E., Haskell, W. L., Herrmann, S. D., Meckes, N., Bassett, D. R., Jr., Tudor-Locke, C., et al. (2011). 2011 compendium of physical activities: A second update of codes and MET values. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(8), 1575–1581. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31821ece12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainsworth, B., Cahalin, L., Buman, M., & Ross, R. (2015). The current state of physical activity assessment tools. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 57(4), 387–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2014.10.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American College of Sports Medicine. (2013). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (1999). Standards for educational and psychological testing. Washington, DC: American Educational Research Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauman, A., Ainsworth, B. E., Bull, F., Craig, C. L., Hagstromer, M., Sallis, J. F., et al. (2009). Progress and pitfalls in the use of the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) for adult physical activity surveillance. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6(Suppl 1), S5–S8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonnefoy, M., Normand, S., Pachiaudi, C., Lacour, J. R., Laville, M., & Kostka, T. (2001). Simultaneous validation of ten physical activity questionnaires in older men: A doubly labeled water study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 49(1), 28–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard, C., Tremblay, A., Leblanc, C., Lortie, G., Savard, R., & Theriault, G. (1983). A method to assess energy expenditure in children and adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 37(3), 461–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brage, S., Brage, N., Franks, P. W., Ekelund, U., & Wareham, N. J. (2005). Reliability and validity of the combined heart rate and movement sensor Actiheart. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59(4), 561–570. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, K. A., Carter, J. G., & Dawes, J. J. (2013). A comparison of VO2 measurement obtained by a physiological monitoring device and the Cosmed quark CPET. Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 3. https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7025.1000126.

  • Celis-Morales, C. A., Perez-Bravo, F., Ibanez, L., Salas, C., Bailey, M. E., & Gill, J. M. (2012). Objective vs. self-reported physical activity and sedentary time: Effects of measurement method on relationships with risk biomarkers. PLoS One, 7(5), e36345. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0036345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, K. Y., Janz, K. F., Zhu, W., & Brychta, R. J. (2012). Redefining the roles of sensors in objective physical activity monitoring. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 44(1 Suppl 1), S13–S23. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182399bc8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colbert, L. H., Matthews, C. E., Havighurst, T. C., Kim, K., & Schoeller, D. A. (2011). Comparative validity of physical activity measures in older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(5), 867–876. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181fc7162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Craig, C. L., Marshall, A. L., Sjostrom, M., Bauman, A. E., Booth, M. L., Ainsworth, B. E., et al. (2003). International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(8), 1381–1395. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crouter, S. E., Schneider, P. L., Karabulut, M., & Bassett, D. R., Jr. (2003). Validity of 10 electronic pedometers for measuring steps, distance, and energy cost. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(8), 1455–1460. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000078932.61440.A2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cyarto, E. V., Myers, A., & Tudor-Locke, C. (2004). Pedometer accuracy in nursing home and community-dwelling older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36(2), 205–209. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000113476.62469.98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, H. S., MacPherson, K., Merry, H. R., Wentzel, C., & Rockwood, K. (2001). Reliability and validity of questions about exercise in the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. International Psychogeriatrics, 13(S1), 177–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evenson, K. R., Goto, M. M., & Furberg, R. D. (2015). Systematic review of the validity and reliability of consumer-wearable activity trackers. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 12, 159. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-015-0314-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evenson, K. R., Jones, S. A., Holliday, K. M., Cohen, D. A., & McKenzie, T. L. (2016). Park characteristics, use, and physical activity: A review of studies using SOPARC (system for observing play and recreation in communities). Preventive Medicine, 86, 153–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.02.029.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Floegel, T. A., Florez-Pregonero, A., Hekler, E. B., & Buman, M. P. (2016). Validation of consumer-based hip and wrist activity monitors in older adults with varied ambulatory abilities. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glw098.

  • Forsen, L., Loland, N. W., Vuillemin, A., Chinapaw, M. J., van Poppel, M. N., Mokkink, L. B., et al. (2010). Self-administered physical activity questionnaires for the elderly: A systematic review of measurement properties. Sports Medicine, 40(7), 601–623. https://doi.org/10.2165/11531350-000000000-00000.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gabriel, K. K. P., Jr., Morrow, J. R., & Woolsey, A.-L. T. (2012). Framework for physical activity as a complex and multidimensional behavior. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(s1), S11–S18. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.9.s1.s11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grimm, E. K., Swartz, A. M., Hart, T., Miller, N. E., & Strath, S. J. (2012). Comparison of the IPAQ-short form and accelerometry predictions of physical activity in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 20(1), 64–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, K. S., Morey, M. C., Dutta, C., Manini, T. M., Weltman, A. L., Nelson, M. E., et al. (2014). Activity-related energy expenditure in older adults: A call for more research. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000356.

  • Hardy, S. E., Allore, H., & Studenski, S. A. (2009). Missing data: A special challenge in aging research. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 57(4), 722–729. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02168.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, T. J., Owen, C. G., Victor, C. R., Adams, R., Ekelund, U., & Cook, D. G. (2009). A comparison of questionnaire, accelerometer, and pedometer: Measures in older people. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(7), 1392–1402. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31819b3533.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haskell, W. L. (2012). Physical activity by self-report: A brief history and future issues. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(Suppl 1), S5–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heesch, K. C., van Uffelen, J. G., Hill, R. L., & Brown, W. J. (2010). What do IPAQ questions mean to older adults? Lessons from cognitive interviews. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-7-35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hortobagyi, T., Mizelle, C., Beam, S., & DeVita, P. (2003). Old adults perform activities of daily living near their maximal capabilities. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(5), M453–M460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kamada, M., Shiroma, E. J., Harris, T. B., & Lee, I. M. (2016). Comparison of physical activity assessed using hip- and wrist-worn accelerometers. Gait & Posture, 44, 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.11.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katch, V. L., McArdle, W. D., & Katch, F. I. (2011). Energy expenditure during rest and physical activity. In W. D. McArdle, F. I. Katch, & V. L. Katch (Eds.), Essentials of exercise physiology (4th ed.). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozey, S., Lyden, K., Staudenmayer, J., & Freedson, P. (2010). Errors in MET estimates of physical activities using 3.5 ml × kg(−1) × min(−1) as the baseline oxygen consumption. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 7(4), 508–516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. M., Kim, Y., & Welk, G. J. (2014). Validity of consumer-based physical activity monitors. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(9), 1840–1848. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyden, K., Keadle, S. K., Staudenmayer, J., & Freedson, P. S. (2014). A method to estimate free-living active and sedentary behavior from an accelerometer. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(2), 386–397. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182a42a2d.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lynn Snow, A., Cook, K. F., Lin, P. S., Morgan, R. O., & Magaziner, J. (2005). Proxies and other external raters: Methodological considerations. Health Services Research, 40(5 Pt 2), 1676–1693. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2005.00447.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, C. J., Maddison, R., Olds, T., & Kerse, N. (2014). Validation of a computerized use of time recall for activity measurement in advanced-aged adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 22(2), 245–254. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2012-0280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magaziner, J. (1997). Use of proxies to measure health and functional outcomes in effectiveness research in persons with Alzheimer disease and related disorders. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 11(Suppl 6), 168–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magaziner, J., Bassett, S. S., Hebel, J. R., & Gruber-Baldini, A. (1996). Use of proxies to measure health and functional status in epidemiologic studies of community-dwelling women aged 65 years and older. American Journal of Epidemiology, 143(3), 283–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martien, S., Delecluse, C., Seghers, J., & Boen, F. (2015). Counting steps in institutionalized older adults during daily life activities: The validation of two motion sensors. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 23(3), 383–390. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2013-0223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Masse, L. C., & de Niet, J. E. (2012). Sources of validity evidence needed with self-report measures of physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(Suppl 1), S44–S55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie, T. L., Cohen, D. A., Sehgal, A., Williamson, S., & Golinelli, D. (2006). System for observing play and recreation in communities (SOPARC): Reliability and feasibility measures. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 3(Suppl 1), S208–S222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Middleton, L. E., Kirkland, S. A., Mitnitski, A., & Rockwood, K. (2010). Proxy reports of physical activity were valid in older people with and without cognitive impairment. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 63(4), 435–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, M. B., Kaminsky, L. A., Dickin, D. C., & Montoye, A. H. (2016). Validity of consumer-based physical activity monitors for specific activity types. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 48(8), 1619–1628. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000933.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neumann, P. J., Araki, S. S., & Gutterman, E. M. (2000). The use of proxy respondents in studies of older adults: Lessons, challenges, and opportunities. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 48(12), 1646–1654. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb03877.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parra, D. C., McKenzie, T. L., Ribeiro, I. C., Ferreira Hino, A. A., Dreisinger, M., Coniglio, K., et al. (2010). Assessing physical activity in public parks in Brazil using systematic observation. American Journal of Public Health, 100(8), 1420–1426. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.181230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pettee Gabriel, K., McClain, J. J., Lee, C. D., Swan, P. D., Alvar, B. A., Mitros, M. R., & Ainsworth, B. E. (2009). Evaluation of physical activity measures used in middle-aged women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(7), 1403–1412. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31819b2482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pleson, E., Nieuwendyk, L. M., Lee, K. K., Chaddah, A., Nykiforuk, C. I., & Schopflocher, D. (2014). Understanding older adults’ usage of community green spaces in Taipei, Taiwan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(2), 1444–1464. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110201444.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabia, S., Cogranne, P., van Hees, V. T., Bell, J. A., Elbaz, A., Kivimaki, M., & Singh-Manoux, A. (2015). Physical activity and adiposity markers at older ages: Accelerometer vs questionnaire data. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(5), 438 e437–438 e413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2015.01.086.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schrack, J. A., Simonsick, E. M., Chaves, P. H., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). The role of energetic cost in the age-related slowing of gait speed. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(10), 1811–1816. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04153.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schrack, J. A., Zipunnikov, V., Goldsmith, J., Bandeen-Roche, K., Crainiceanu, C. M., & Ferrucci, L. (2014). Estimating energy expenditure from heart rate in older adults: A case for calibration. PLoS One, 9(4), e93520. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093520.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schrack, J. A., Cooper, R., Koster, A., Shiroma, E. J., Murabito, J. M., Rejeski, W. J., et al. (2016). Assessing daily physical activity in older adults: Unraveling the complexity of monitors, measures, and methods. Journals of Gerontology. Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 71(8), 1039–1048. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glw026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sternfeld, B., Jiang, S. F., Picchi, T., Chasan-Taber, L., Ainsworth, B., & Quesenberry, C. P., Jr. (2012). Evaluation of a cell phone-based physical activity diary. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 44(3), 487–495. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182325f45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, A. L., Mills, K. M., King, A. C., Haskell, W. L., Gillis, D., & Ritter, P. L. (2001). CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire for older adults: Outcomes for interventions. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 33(7), 1126–1141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strath, S. J., Pfeiffer, K. A., & Whitt-Glover, M. C. (2012). Accelerometer use with children, older adults, and adults with functional limitations. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 44(1 Suppl 1), S77–S85. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182399eb1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strath, S. J., Kaminsky, L. A., Ainsworth, B. E., Ekelund, U., Freedson, P. S., Gary, R. A., et al. (2013). Guide to the assessment of physical activity: Clinical and research applications: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 128(20), 2259–2279. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000435708.67487.da.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swank, A. M. (2012). Chapter 13. Assessment of physical activity. In D. P. Swain, C. A. Brawner, & American College of Sports Medicine (Eds.), ACSM’s resource manual for guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sylvia, L. G., Bernstein, E. E., Hubbard, J. L., Keating, L., & Anderson, E. J. (2014). Practical guide to measuring physical activity. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(2), 199–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.09.018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taraldsen, K., Chastin, S. F., Riphagen, I. I., Vereijken, B., & Helbostad, J. L. (2012). Physical activity monitoring by use of accelerometer-based body-worn sensors in older adults: A systematic literature review of current knowledge and applications. Maturitas, 71(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.11.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van der Ploeg, H. P., Merom, D., Chau, J. Y., Bittman, M., Trost, S. G., & Bauman, A. E. (2010). Advances in population surveillance for physical activity and sedentary behavior: Reliability and validity of time use surveys. American Journal of Epidemiology, 172(10), 1199–1206. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwq265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Domelen, D. R., Caserotti, P., Brychta, R. J., Harris, T. B., Patel, K. V., Chen, K. Y., et al. (2014). Is there a sex difference in accelerometer counts during walking in older adults? Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 11(3), 626–637. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2012-0050.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Uffelen, J. G., Heesch, K. C., Hill, R. L., & Brown, W. J. (2011). A qualitative study of older adults’ responses to sitting-time questions: Do we get the information we want? BMC Public Health, 11, 458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanroy, C., Vanlandewijck, Y., Cras, P., Feys, H., Truijen, S., Michielsen, M., & Vissers, D. (2014). Is a coded physical activity diary valid for assessing physical activity level and energy expenditure in stroke patients? PLoS One, 9(6), e98735. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0098735.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Westerterp, K. R. (2009). Assessment of physical activity: A critical appraisal. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 105(6), 823–828. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1000-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yates, T., Henson, J., Edwardson, C., Bodicoat, D. H., Davies, M. J., & Khunti, K. (2015). Differences in levels of physical activity between White and South Asian populations within a healthcare setting: Impact of measurement type in a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 5(7), e006181. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile

    Nicolas Aguilar-Farias

  2. EMGO Institute Department of Public and Occupational Health, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Marijke Hopman-Rock

Authors
  1. Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Marijke Hopman-Rock
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom

    Samuel R. Nyman

  2. Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Anna Barker

  3. Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia

    Terry Haines

  4. School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Khim Horton

  5. Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

    Charles Musselwhite

  6. Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Geeske Peeters

  7. College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom

    Christina R. Victor

  8. Institute of Psychogerontology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany

    Julia Katharina Wolff

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Aguilar-Farias, N., Hopman-Rock, M. (2018). Measurement of Physical Activity Among Older People. In: Nyman, S., et al. The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_31

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_31

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71290-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71291-8

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation