From the Guidelines
Daily physical activity can be most effectively assessed using a wearable device like a fitness tracker or smartwatch that counts steps, measures heart rate, and estimates calories burned throughout the day, as supported by the most recent evidence from 2024 1. This approach provides an objective measurement of physical activity, which is essential for evaluating progress toward meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. Some key points to consider when assessing daily physical activity include:
- Using standardized questionnaires like the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) or the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) for a more structured assessment 1
- Applying the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) for comprehensive evaluation 1
- Quantifying energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents (METs), with moderate activities ranging from 3-6 METs and vigorous activities exceeding 6 METs 1
- Regularly tracking progress and adjusting the fitness routine as needed to minimize sedentary time and reduce the risk of future cardiac events 1 It is also important to note that the goal of 10,000 steps per day is often recommended, but there is limited evidence regarding the specificity of this goal, and a greater number of steps per day is associated with lower all-cause mortality risk 1. Therefore, the most effective approach to assessing daily physical activity is to use a combination of wearable devices and standardized questionnaires, while also considering the individual's overall health and fitness goals.
From the Research
Assessing Daily Physical Activity
To assess daily physical activity, several methods can be employed, including:
- Objective measures such as pedometers and accelerometers, which provide accurate reflections of daily physical activity levels 2, 3, 4, 5
- Heart rate monitoring, which can be used to measure physical activity in real-time 5
- Criterion methods like doubly labelled water, indirect calorimetry, and direct observation, although these methods have significant drawbacks 6
- Subjective methods such as questionnaires and activity diaries, which are less reliable than objective methods 6
Tools for Assessment
Some of the tools used for assessing daily physical activity include:
- Pedometers, which have been shown to be effective in increasing physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4
- Accelerometers, which provide accurate measurements of physical activity levels and can be used to track progress over time 2, 3, 5
- Activity monitors, which can be used to measure physical activity in free-living adults with type 2 diabetes 4
Importance of Assessment
Accurate assessment of physical activity is essential for: