Absolute and relative intensities of solo, free-form dancing in adults: A pilot study.

Objectives: Engaging in dance of various styles confers health benefits among adults; however, additional studies on free-form dancing are needed to quantify its intensity and advance research on dance and health. This study characterized the absolute and relative physical activity (PA) intensities of solo, free-form dancing at self-determined moderate and vigorous intensities in adults.

Method: Participants (N = 48) ages 18 to 83 years old, with 0 to 56 years of dance training experience, engaged in 5-minute free-form dance bouts at respectively self-determined moderate and vigorous intensities, both with and without music.

Toward Harmonized Treadmill-Based Validation of Step-Counting Wearable Technologies: A Scoping Review.

Background: The authors conducted a scoping review as a first step toward establishing harmonized (ie, consistent and compatible), empirically based best practices for validating step-counting wearable technologies.

Purpose: To catalog studies validating step-counting wearable technologies during treadmill ambulation.

Methods: The authors searched PubMed and SPORTDiscus in August 2019 to identify treadmill-based validation studies that employed the criterion of directly observed (including video recorded) steps and cataloged study sample characteristics, protocol details, and analytical procedures.

Quantifying Physical Activity in Young Children Using a Three-Dimensional Camera.

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and validity of using three-dimensional (3D) video data and computer vision to estimate physical activity intensities in young children. Families with children (2-5-years-old) were invited to participate in semi-structured 20-minute play sessions that included a range of indoor play activities. During the play session, children's physical activity (PA) was recorded using a 3D camera.

Cadence-based Classification of Minimally Moderate Intensity During Overground Walking in 21- to 40-Year-Old Adults.

Background: A walking cadence of ≥100 steps/min corresponds to minimally moderate intensity, absolutely defined as ≥3 metabolic equivalents (METs). This threshold has primarily been calibrated during treadmill walking. There is a need to determine the classification accuracy of this cadence threshold to predict intensity during overground walking.

Quantitative gait assessment in children with 16p11.2 syndrome.

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders such as 16p11.2 syndrome are frequently associated with motor impairments including locomotion. The lack of precise measures of gait, combined with the challenges inherent in studying children with neurodevelopmental disorders, hinders quantitative motor assessments.

Cardiometabolic thresholds for peak 30-min cadence and steps/day.

Purpose: To provide empirically-supported thresholds for step-based intensity (i.e., peak 30-min cadence; average of the top 30 steps/min in a day) and steps/day in relation to cardiometabolic health outcomes.

Validity and Reliability of the Exercise Vital Sign Questionnaire in an Ethnically Diverse Group: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire in an ethnically diverse sample. Participants (N = 39) were asked to wear an accelerometer at the hip for at least 7 days and to complete the EVS at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of the wear period. The EVS questionnaire validity was determined against accelerometry, and bias was calculated as the mean difference between measures.

SmartTots Outcomes Workshop 2017: Notes From a Round Table Discussion About Outcome Measures.

An important element of designing research studies is the selection of appropriate outcome measures to ensure that the question posed is properly answered given the evidence. The selection of outcome measures is especially important when tackling complex, interdisciplinary problems, where appropriate outcome measures may not be as simple as a blood test or a laboratory value. One such area of study is the research into neurodevelopmental outcomes after early exposure to anesthetic agents.

Interactive Dyadic Physical Activity and Spatial Proximity Patterns in 2-Year-Olds and Their Parents.

This study aimed to characterize daily physical activity (PA) behaviors in 2-year-old girls and boys and their parents, with and without an objective measure of dyadic spatial proximity. Urban-dwelling parent⁻toddler dyads ( = 110) wore accelerometers for 7 days, and parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. Accelerometers were initialized to collect PA and Bluetooth-based proximity data.

Efficacy of Resistance Training as an Aid to Smoking Cessation: Rationale and Design of the Strength To Quit Study.

Despite recent declines in the rates of cigarette smoking, smoking remains prevalent among individuals with lower income, less education, and those with mental illness or HIV. Exercise is promoted as an aid to smoking cessation; however, the evidence for this recommendation is equivocal. To date, the majority of studies have only examined aerobic exercise; there is a poor understanding of the mechanisms of action; and there is an under-representation of male smokers.