TABLE 8.1 Characteristics of Physical Behavior Assessment Methodsa Report-Based Measures Surveys or questionnaires Example IPAQ, GPAQ Diaries or logs Sleep log
Dimensions
Frequency of activity Intensity of activity Time (duration) of activity Type (mode) of activity Total activity (volume) Domains
Domestic (household) activity
Leisure time activity Occupational activity Transportation activity Overall physical activity Energy expenditure Cost Participant burden Researcher burden Potential biases Duration of assessment Group size
X X X X X X X X X X Estimated $ Low Low Recall; social desirability Single time point Large
X X X X X X X X X X Estimated $ Moderate Moderate Recall; social desirability Days to weeks Large
Abbreviations: GPAQ, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire; IPAQ, International Physical Activity Questionnaire. a
This table breaks down the three broad methods of physical behavior assessment (report-based, device-based, and criterion) into
subtypes, giving examples of each tool subtype and what it is best suited for. This can aid in the selection of a specific tool and can act as a guide for comparing tools from different categories.