title: [Accelerometer description as a method to assess physical activity in different periods of life; systematic review].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The accelerometer is shown as one of the most accurate techniques in recording and saving the amount and level of physical activity, by each person in a given period of time.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review aims to describe and analyze the main items that use this method to assess physical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The review articles were identified through the following specialized Internet browser: SCOPUS, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, those were selected for inclusion with a total of 56 items. The validity of the articles was given by the degree of evidence demonstrated by describing the recommendations and the applicability to our context. This review has considered studies evaluating physical activity through accelerometers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that this method can be used in ages 3 to 90 years. It can also be used in subjects with overweight/obesity, articulation injuries, Down syndrome (just children), autism and people with psychological problems. Studies in pregnant women show satisfactory results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The literature reviewed provides the accelerometer as a reliable and effective method to assess physical activity.
authors: PhD. Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada. Hospital Clínico San Cecilio de Granada (España).. mariajaguilar@telefonica.net.
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Aguilar Cordero
authors: BsC Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada (España).. antoniosl@ugr.es.
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Sánchez López
authors: PhD. Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada (España).. rguisado@ugr.es.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Guisado Barrilao
authors: BsC Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada (España).. rarobla@gmail.com.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Rodríguez Blanque
authors: BsC. Escuela de Enfermería. Universidad Santo Tomás de Talca (Chile).. jnoack@santotomas.cl.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Noack Segovia
authors: BsC Departamento de Enfermería. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada (España).. pozocano@ugr.es.
authors: M D
authors: MD
authors: Pozo Cano
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D055815:Young Adult