Validation of the CSA accelerometer in adolescent boys during basketball practice

Junior high school male basketball players (n = 10) were assessed during a 55-min practice to evaluate the validity of the Computer Science and Applications, Inc. (CSA) accelerometer for estimating physical activity (PA). Direct observation (Five-Level Children's Activity Rating Scale [CARS]) and heart rate monitoring (HR) were used as criterion measures. CSA, CARS, and HR values were recorded during each minute of practice. Correlation using group data showed a moderate to good (r = 0.60; P < .001) relationship between CSA and HR. Individual participant analyses revealed a significant correlation (range 0.54-0.81; P < .001) between CSA and HR in nine of ten subjects. ANOVA revealed significant differences (P < .001) in CSA and HR in values associated with CARS levels 2-4. The CSA provides valid estimates of PA intensity (compared to CARS and HR) during basketball played by adolescent boys. It appears that CSA is sufficiently sensitive to quantify physical activity level as well as to discriminate between various intensity levels that exist during a typical basketball practice session.