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Physical Activity: Monitoring Physical Activity
The Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Branch (RFMMB) supports the collection of
physical activity data in existing and planned surveys. In doing so, we are attempting to
develop more complete assessments of individuals' physical activity based on information
derived from multiple contexts, including transportation, occupation, and recreation. For
example:
- We have supported inclusion of a variety of questions related to physical
activity and sedentary behavior in the National Health Interview
Survey (NHIS) Cancer Control Topical Module and the California Health
Interview Survey (CHIS). These added questions complement the NHIS/CHIS core
physical activity questions concerning leisure and transportation walking. The
data from these surveys are publicly available and provide a rich resource for
exploring the demographic and health related correlates of physical activity in
multiple domains.
- We are supporting the use of activity monitors to collect objective physical activity
data in large surveys, such as the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). These monitors, which record motion activity
as people wear them over several days, circumvent the cognitive and cultural challenges
inherent in collecting physical activity data by questionnaire. Several SAS programs are now available to investigators who wish
to analyze accelerometer data from the 2003-2004 NHANES.
These resources should be helpful in monitoring physical activity in relation to the
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
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