Physical activity assessment in American Indian children in the pathways study

Physical inactivity is a risk factor lor weight gain and obesity. Accordingly, increased activity is a focus of the Pathways intervention and an activity assessment plan was developed. Formative assessment showed two methods were feasible: physical activity recall questionnaire (PAO) and accelerometry (TriTrac-R3D motion sensor). Together, they describe activity frequency, type and amount. Moreover, minute-by minute TriTrac outputs allow analysis of activity for any segment of the day. The age-appropriate, culturally-relevant PAQ, developed by a panel of experts with American Indian (AI) input, was designed to assess 24 hr activity type and amount (none, a little, alot) during three segments of the day: before, during and after school. Pilot tests of 117 fourth grade Al children supported PAQ validity since children reported more activity during times of expected activity (before and after school) compared to times of expected inactivity (dining school). TriTrac estimates supported these results, and showed childrens activity levels were more alike within schools than between schools. Using pilot data, algorithms have been developed to speed processing of accelerometer data. Supported by NHLBI.