title: Measurement of physical activity in obese persons: how and why? A review.
abstract: [Purpose] Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for poor health, especially in children. Reduced physical activity, prompted by a sedentary lifestyle, is a major contributor. Hence, it is important to assess physical activity using standardized methods in public health to identify the risks associated with obesity. There have been no recent reports comparing such modalities for use by clinicians and researchers. In this article, some of these methods for use in the assessment of physical activity are reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages are described. [Subjects and Methods] Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were searched for literature, using key words Obesity, Physical activity, and Physical Behavior Monitoring. [Results] With advances in technology, various novel methods have been developed to assess physical behavior, but conventional methods are still relevant and easy to administer. [Conclusion] There are various measurement options available. Researchers may choose devices providing more accurate measurements, while clinicians may prefer portability and affordability for patients.
authors: Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Einas
authors: E
authors: Al-Eisa
authors: Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Ahmad H
authors: AH
authors: Alghadir
authors: Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Zaheen A
authors: ZA
authors: Iqbal
keywords: Obesity; Physical activity; Physical activity assessment