assessing physical activity

Unit 3&4 Physical Education

Assessing Physical Activity

Assessment of IntensityTalk TestDetermine the extent a person has enough

breath to be able to speak during activity.Low Intensity level – should be able to sing.Moderate Intensity level – should be able to

carry on a conversation.Vigorous intensity level – too out of breath to

conduct a conversation.

Assessment of IntensityTarget Heart Rate

Determines whether a persons heart rate is within the target zone during activity.

Moderate Intensity level – 50-70% max HR Vigorous Intensity level – 70-85% max HR

Note – Max HR = 220 – age.

Assessment of IntensityPerceived Exertion

(Borg Rating Scale)

Refers to how hard you feel your body is working on a scale from 6-20

6 – ‘no exertion at all’20 – ‘maximal exertion’

Assessment of Intensity

Metabolic Equivalent (MET) LevelA MET is the unit used to measure the amount of

oxygen used by the body during physical activity.1 MET equals the energy (O2) used by the body

as you sit quietly.Moderate Intensity Activity – 3 to 6 METSVigorous Intensity Activity – over 6 METS

Examples of Intensity Related Activities!

Light Activity

Moderate Activity

Vigorous Activity

Methods for Assessing Physical Activity

Subjective MethodsDepend on our perceptions of physical

activityPredominately used for measurement in

populations

Objective MethodsRely on solid data or observationsPredominately used for measurement in

individuals

Subjective Methods

Self ReportPhysical Activity DiariesLogs

RecallUsually made up of short simple

questionnaire of 5-15 itemsSet to investigate physical activity patterns

Objective Methods

Heart-rate TelemetrySubject wears device that provides data

on the heart rate in response to exerciseCan be set to record and collect data

Objective Methods

Pedometry

Subject wears device that records the number of steps taken and estimates distance covered

10000 steps is considered equivalent to meeting National Physical Activity Guidelines

Objective Methods

AccelerometrySubject wears device to assess the

acceleration of the body in certain directionsProvides data on the frequency, duration and

intensity of activity

Doubly Labelled WaterTechnique used to accurately estimate total

energy expenditure.Based on the movement of 2 different types

of water found in the body

Objective Methods

Direct ObservationData collected that measures activity in

regards to type, time, place and social setting

Very useful for childrenCan be used in conjunction with other

methods

There are 3 main observation systems used:

Direct Observation

BEACHES (Behaviours of Eating Activity for Children’s Health Evaluation System)

Designed to monitor children eating and activity both at home and at school

SOFIT (System for observing Fitness Instruction Time)Used during PE classes, measures activity, lesson

context and teacher behaviour.

SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth)Used to assess the physical activity of groups in

certain settings.Assesses the number of people in a designated

activity area and their activity level at specific times