Habitual Physical Activity Assessment

Physical activity is measured by having participants complete 2 components of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (www.cdc.gov/nhanes).

• Physical activity and physical fitness questionnaire: This questionnaire asks questions about usual daily activities, leisure time activities, and sedentary activities at home.
• Physical activity monitor component: The PAM component allows collection of information on intensity and duration of common locomotion activities such as walking and jogging by having participants wear an activity monitor for seven consecutive days. Participants receive the accelerometer with instructions. The device is programmed to detect and record magnitude of acceleration or “intensity” of movement. An elastic belt with an adjustable Velcro closure and/or a belt clip is provided with each monitor. Participants are instructed to wear the monitor at the right hip during waking hours.