An evolution in PA surveillance systems for adults in the United States has been necessitated by modifications to public health recommendations for healthful physical activity (PA) levels and secular changes in body mass. Systems initiated in the mid-1980's were designed to describe the prevalence of moderate-vigorous leisure-time PA in the population and to assess the degree to which PA recommendations of the era were being met. Prevalence estimates obtained from these systems for physical inactivity and meeting recommended PA levels remained essentially unchanged between 1985 and 1998. During this same period, PA recommendations were modified to be more inclusive of the full range of moderate-vigorous PA that are possible in daily life (e.g., housework, transportation) and the average body mass of U.S. adults increased markedly. To address gaps in existing systems, revised surveillance instruments have been developed to examine total PA patterns (i.e., occupational, household, transportation, leisure-time) and to more effectively quantify the types and patterns of activity that form the core of current PA recommendations. New surveillance instruments are presently in the field as part of the BRFSS (2000) and NHANES IV (1998-2001) and are currently being examined for validity. In addition, innovative surveillance methods, including objective measures of activity (e.g., pedometers) and measures of community level environmental supports for PA are in research and development. Responsive PA surveillance systems are vitally important for monitoring the effectiveness of national, state, and local efforts to promote PA in efforts to reduce the burden of diseases caused by inactivity.
Learning Objectives: This presentation will provide an overview of physical activity surveillance initiatives to date, identify gaps and needs, and give some recommendations for the future.
Keywords: Physical Activity, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.