2. Assessment of Intensity
Talk Test
Determine the extent a person has enough
breath to be able to speak during activity.
Low Intensity level – should be able to sing.
Moderate Intensity level – should be able to
carry on a conversation.
Vigorous intensity level – too out of breath to
conduct a conversation.
3. Assessment of Intensity
Target Heart Rate
Determines whether a persons heart
rate is within the target zone during
activity.
Moderate Intensity level
– 50-70% max HR
Vigorous Intensity level
– 70-85% max HR
Note – Max HR = 220 – age.
4. Assessment of Intensity
Perceived Exertion
(Borg Rating Scale)
Refers to how hard you
feel your body is working
on a scale from 6-20
6 – ‘no exertion at all’
20 – ‘maximal exertion’
5. Assessment of Intensity
Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Level
A MET is the unit used to measure the amount of
oxygen used by the body during physical
activity.
1 MET equals the energy (O2) used by the body
as you sit quietly.
Moderate Intensity Activity – 3 to 6 METS
Vigorous Intensity Activity – over 6 METS
6. Examples of Intensity Related
Activities!
Light Activity
Moderate Activity
Vigorous Activity
7. Methods for Assessing
Physical Activity
Subjective Methods
Depend on our perceptions of physical
activity
Predominately used for measurement in
populations
Objective Methods
Rely on solid data or observations
Predominately used for measurement in
individuals
8. Subjective Methods
Self Report
Physical Activity Diaries
Logs
Recall
Usually made up of short simple
questionnaire of 5-15 items
Set to investigate physical activity patterns
9. Objective Methods
Heart-rate Telemetry
Subject wears device that provides data
on the heart rate in response to exercise
Can be set to record and collect data
10. Objective Methods
Pedometry
Subject wears device that records the
number of steps taken and estimates
distance covered
10000 steps is considered equivalent to
meeting National Physical Activity
Guidelines
11. Objective Methods
Accelerometry
Subject wears device to assess the
acceleration of the body in certain directions
Provides data on the frequency, duration and
intensity of activity
Doubly Labelled Water
Technique used to accurately estimate total
energy expenditure.
Based on the movement of 2 different types
of water found in the body
12. Objective Methods
Direct Observation
Data collected that measures activity in
regards to type, time, place and social
setting
Very useful for children
Can be used in conjunction with other
methods
There are 3 main observation systems
used:
13. Direct Observation
BEACHES (Behaviours of Eating Activity for Children’s Health
Evaluation System)
Designed to monitor children eating and activity
both at home and at school
SOFIT (System for observing Fitness Instruction Time)
Used during PE classes, measures activity, lesson
context and teacher behaviour.
SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth)
Used to assess the physical activity of groups in
certain settings.
Assesses the number of people in a designated
activity area and their activity level at specific
times
