Physical Activity: Improving Assessment Methods

We also conduct and support methodologic research to evaluate and improve physical activity assessment. For example:

• We initiated and continue to participate in the Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), currently PAR-12-197 (R21) and PAR-12-198 (R01). Applications submitted under these FOAs may include development of: novel assessment approaches; better methods to evaluate instruments; assessment tools for culturally diverse populations or various age groups, including older adults; improved technology or applications of existing technology; statistical methods to assess or correct for measurement errors or biases, methods to investigate the multidimensionality of diet and physical activity behavior through pattern analysis; or integrated measurement of diet and physical activity along with the environmental context of such behaviors.
• We developed the Standardized Surveys of Walking & Bicycling Database. This database contains survey questions and a list of validation studies for standardized survey questions concerning walking and biking from multiple national and international physical activity surveys and questionnaires (PAQs). The database provides easy access to a large number of questions assessing duration and frequency of walking and bicycling in the non-disabled adult population.