Measurement Techniques

• accelerometer 


  detect movement in a verical plane

  advantages:

  • intensity, duration, frequency
  • low impact on participants
  • measure physical activity of children
  • not reactive
  • sensitive

  disadvantages:

  • expensive
  • requires software to analyse
  • complicated to interpret
  • not for large groups
• inclinometer


  measures posture and can distinguish between sitting, standing, lying

  advantages:

  • accurate assessment of position
  • data is from specific time periods
  • minimal measurement error
  • measure physical activity of children
  • not reactive

  disadvantages:

  • expensive
  • cannot provide contextual information
  • not for large group
  • uncomfortable to wear
• direct observation


  watching subjects behave in particular environments

  advantages:

  • range of data gathered
  • measure physical activity of children
  • assess dimensions and domains

  disadvantages:

  • expensive
  • training required
  • not suited to all domains
  • obversers can influence PA patterns
• heart rate monitors


  measures heart rate in response to exercise

  advantages:

  • intensity, duration, frequency
  • low impact on participants
  • accurate at moderate and vigorous intensities
  • not reactive

  disadvantages:

  • expensive
  • inaccurate
  • not for large groups
• pedometer


  total number of steps taken

  advantages:

  • cheap
  • simple
  • unobtrusive
  • motivational

  disadvantages:

  • inaccurate distance calculations due to differences in stride length
  • sensitivity may make it inaccurate
  • doesn't record intensity
  • reactive
• activity trackers and phone apps


  measures steps, kms travelled, kJs burnt, heart rate, sleep patterns

  advantages:

  • motivational