Physical activity monitoring in children and youths.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Public health data have confirmed epidemic levels of pediatric obesity and inactivity in the United States today. Activity monitoring can provide real-world outcomes for new interventions for youths with mobility limitations. Valid and reliable measures of ambulatory activity are needed to understand the relationship between inactivity and obesity. The purpose of this paper is to highlight issues relevant to ambulatory activity monitoring in pediatric populations.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

A review of the currently available pedometers and accelerometers for ambulatory physical activity monitoring is presented. Elements of device selection are discussed and critical criteria proposed for physical activity monitoring of children and adolescents. Finally, examples of pediatric physical activity monitoring are presented in the context of clinical practice and research.