The relationship of actigraph accelerometer cut-points for estimating physical activity with selected health outcomes: results from NHANES 2003-06

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2012 Sep;83(3):422-30. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2012.10599877.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of child and adult cut-points on physical activity (PA) intensity, the prevalence of meeting PA guidelines, and association with selected health outcomes. Participants (6,578 adults > or = 18 years, and 3,174 children and adolescents < or = 17 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-06 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006) wore an accelerometer for 7 days. PA intensity was estimated with 5 child-derived and 12 adult-derived cut-points. For all, the cut-point influenced PA intensity and the prevalence of meeting PA guidelines. Similarly, cut-point selection influenced the relationship between physical activity and various health outcomes. Future research should further enhance meaningful cut-points relevant to populations with diverse health and age profiles.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Child
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / instrumentation*
  • Motor Activity*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Physical Exertion
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • ROC Curve
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • C-Reactive Protein