Objective monitoring of physical activity using motion sensors and heart rate

Although neither motion sensors nor heart rate are perfect markers of physical activity, they certainly eliminate subjectivity of obtaining physical activity information.The objective method of choice depends on howthe measurement will be used. For example, if walkingbehavior is the desired outcome, then a pedometer maybe sufficient. If patterns and intensity of activity overlonger periods of times such as a week or longer areneeded, then an accelerometer with large memory capacityshould be selected.In the future, efforts should be directed towardsdeveloping an objective motion sensor as inexpensive asa pedometer but with the data acquisition capabilities ofthe CSA or Tritrac accelerometer. Providing simultaneousheart rate with motion is also recommended tofurther verify that elevated heart rate does in fact representa physical activity response. As the cost of the electroniccomponents continues to decrease, these activitymonitor configurations may become possible. © 2000 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.