Discuss four objective methods that are used to measure exercise participation. In particular discuss how they measure exercise participation, and their strengths and weakness as measuring tools

Answer 1

Direct observation such as charting minutes of participation as observed by the researcher. This is an inexpensive technique but time consuming and somewhat subjective.

Indirect calorimetry from the measurement of oxygen consumption and energy expenditure in an exercise laboratory. This is an accurate technique but expensive and typically confined to measurements done only inside a laboratory.

Doubly labeled water is a biochemical marker that estimates energy expenditure through the use of isotopes of water ingested by study subjects. This technique is very accurate but expensive and used primarily in larger universities or medical centers.

Global positioning systems (GPS) are geographical location devices that use satellite technology to document participation in exercise. This technique is accurate for measuring distance of activity but not intensity, and is also somewhat expensive.

Since heart rate is directly correlated to exercise intensity, even reasonably priced heart rate monitors can measure intensity and time. Factors such as dehydration and stress can alter exercise heart rates, however.

Accelerometers are usually worn on the hip at waist level and can assess the intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise. They are not as accurate as other, more expensive measurements.

Pedometers are monitors worn on the hip that use stride length and steps taken throughout the day to estimate exercise and energy expenditure; pedometers can help measure distances, but do not measure intensity, an important component in assessing exercise.