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Measuring Physical Activity in the Elderly: Some Implications for Nutrition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Roy J. Shephard
Roy J. Shephard
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
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Abstract

The possibility of measuring human activity patterns is discussed in terms of data obtained by attitude assessment, activity questionnaires, personal monitoring devices and fitness assessment. Specific problems are noted in applying these several techniques to elderly populations. Attitude assessments indicate the intention to exercise, and practical barriers may limit the translation of intention into overt behaviour. Questionnaires are open to exaggeration, but nevertheless remain the most practical method of evaluating large populations. Personal monitors can only be applied to small samples, but may nevertheless be helpful in improving questionnaire design. Fitness tests raise concerns of safety, and seem likely to bias population sampling towards the active elderly; scores are also influenced more by inherited factors than by current activity. Activity measurements seem unlikely to yield more than a crude estimate of total dietary needs in a population, but they may nevertheless help to identify a subset of old people where detailed nutritional examination is particularly cost-effective. The accurate determination of activity patterns will also have value as a means of encouraging the elderly to adopt an active lifestyle, maximizing their physical potential.

Résumé

Les méthodes possibles de mesurer l'activité physique comprennent une évaluation d'attitude, le complètement des questionnaires, l'utilisation des moniteurs personnels et la détermination de capacité physique. L'évaluation des sujets âgés présente quelques problèmes spécifiques. L'attitudé face à l'activité physique indique l'intention de l'individu de faire l'exercice, mais quelques barrières pratiques peuvent limiter l'expression de cette intention. Un questionnaire reste ouvert à une tendance d'exagérer l'activité physique, mais néanmoins, cela semble la façon la plus pratique d'évaluer une population importante. L'application des moniteurs personnels se limite aux échantillons assez limités, mais cette technologie peut apporter l'information conduisante à une amélioration progressive des questionnaires. Des épreuves de capacité physique sont influencées par les facteurs génétiques et peuvent favoriser un selectionnement de sujets actifs. Les mesures directes d'activité physique manquent de précision, mais peuvent identifier quelques sujets qui méritent une évaluation nutritive détaillée. Le développement des méthodes d'évaluation de l'activité physique peut enfin encourager une augmentation de l'activité habituelle de la part des sujets âgés.

Keywords

Physical activityNutritionMeasurement.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , Summer/Été 1990 , pp. 188 - 203
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1990

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