Summary of Physical Activity Workgroup
July 25-26, 2001, Washington, DC
| 1. | Clarification and discussion around definition of physical activity developed |
| Definition that we had
settled on we decided to go with physical activity 4 times a week per more 30 minutes or
longer and the intensity was to break a sweat (i.e., brisk walking). It did not consider
the accumulation of time. Discussed different conceptualizations of activity and exercise
as well as intensity of exercise and the benefits of exercise. |
|
| 2. | Data analysis issues |
| Discussion of common
mediators between groups. Discussed different ways of looking at self-efficacy. Some of
the studies use similar items. Other options is to look at different constructs. We may
have to look at small groups of studies who have used the same mediators. In some ways we
are really testing the models. |
|
| 3. | Symposium review |
| Review of the
Gerontological Society of American Symposium presented by the three groups focusing on
older adults. The triangulation approach to measurement of activity. Alan Jette was the
discussant and he brought up the point that triangulation was a sign of a young science
and this should not be the pinnacle. He suggested we look towards developing the best
measure of activity/exercise. Others in the audience diagreed. This served as a challenge
for us to continue to refine measurement in this area. |
|
| 4. | Book chapter |
| A book chapter was
written by Claudio Nigg for Gregg Welk's book . The focus was on what stage of change
could add to the measurement of physical activity. |
|
| 5. | ACSM Symposium by Chuck Matthews |
| Mini symposium was
accepted on Assessment Issues in Physical Activity. Other options for future symposium
were presented and the group is encouraged to bring this options up as they hear of and
about them. |
|
| 6. | Intervention dose questions |
| What do different studies consider dose of intervention? Difficult for the studies to consider time but we may want/be able to consider different types of interaction, and different intensities. Based off the morning presentation about cross study evaluations, we continued to debate and discuss similarities in measurement between the studies. | |