Physical activity measurement in persons with chronic and disabling conditions: methods, strategies, and issues.

Measuring the physical activity of persons with chronic and disabling conditions presents complexities related to measuring instruments, the intensity of the activity being measured, the population being measured, and individual behavior and health status. They often have limitations in mobility tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Family & Community Health Vol. 29; pp. 78S - 89
Main Author: Warms, Catherine
Format: review Journal Article
Published: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Jan-Mar2006 Supplement
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Measuring the physical activity of persons with chronic and disabling conditions presents complexities related to measuring instruments, the intensity of the activity being measured, the population being measured, and individual behavior and health status. They often have limitations in mobility that do not preclude physical activity but contribute to the complexity of measuring it, such as slow or altered gait, inability to walk, and the need for assistive devices. This article reviews currently available ways to measure physical activity, describes strengths and weaknesses of various measures, and provides examples of complexities in measuring physical activity in people who move differently.