How is Physical Activity Measured in Epidemiological Studies?
In epidemiological research, physical activity is often measured using self-reported questionnaires, accelerometers, and pedometers. Self-reported questionnaires, such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), ask participants to recall their activity levels over a specific period. Accelerometers and pedometers provide objective measurements by tracking movement and steps. Each method has its strengths and limitations, with self-reported data being more prone to recall bias, while objective measures may not capture all forms of exercise.
