title: A systematic approach to selecting an appropriate measure of self-reported physical activity or sedentary behavior.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Numerous instruments to measure self-reported physical activity (PA) exist, but there is little guidance for determining the most appropriate choice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide a systematic framework for researchers and practitioners to select a self-reported PA instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  The framework consists of 2 components: a series of questions and a database of instruments. The questions encourage users to think critically about their specific needs and to appreciate the strengths and limitations of the available options. Instruments for the database were identified through existing literature and expert opinion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten questions, ranging from study aim and study design to target population and logistical consideration, guide the researcher or practitioner in defining the criteria for an appropriate PA instruments for a given situation. No one question on its own determines the optimal choice, but taken together, they narrow the potential field. The database currently includes 38 different self-reported PA instruments, characterized by 18 different parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The series of questions presented here, in conjunction with a searchable database of self-report PA instruments, provides a needed step toward the development of guiding principles and good practices for researchers and practitioners to follow in making an informed selection of a self-reported PA instrument.
authors.affiliation: Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sternfeld
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goldman-Rosas
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D012107:Research Design; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D057566:Self Report