Utilization & harmonization of adult accelerometry data : review & expert consensus

Wijndaele, K; Westgate, K; Stephens, SK; Blair, SN; Bull, FC; Chastin, SFM; Dunstan, DW; Ekelund, U; Eslinger, DW; Freedson, PS; Granat, MH; Matthews, CE; Owen, N; Rowlands, AV; Sherar, LB; Tremblay, MS; Troiano, RP; Brage, S; Healy, GN

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the scope of accelerometry data collected internationally in adults; and, to
obtain a consensus from measurement experts regarding the optimal strategies to harmonize
international accelerometry data. Methods: In March 2014 a comprehensive review was undertaken
to identify studies that collected accelerometry data in adults (sample size N ≥400). Additionally,
twenty physical activity experts were invited to participate in a two-phase Delphi process to obtain
consensus on: unique research opportunities available with such data; additional data required to
address these opportunities; strategies for enabling comparisons between studies/countries;
requirements for implementing/progressing such strategies; and, value of a global repository of
accelerometry data. Results: The review identified accelerometry data from >275,000 adults from 76
studies across 36 countries. Consensus was achieved after two rounds of the Delphi process; 18
experts participated in one or both rounds. Key opportunities highlighted were the ability for crosscountry/
cross-population comparisons, and the analytic options available with the larger
heterogeneity and greater statistical power. Basic socio-demographic and anthropometric data were
considered a pre-requisite for this. Disclosure of monitor specifications, and protocols for data
collection and processing were deemed essential to enable comparison and data harmonization. There
was strong consensus that standardization of data collection, processing and analytical procedures
was needed. To implement these strategies, communication and consensus among researchers,
development of an online infrastructure, and methodological comparison work were required. There
was consensus that a global accelerometry data repository would be beneficial and worthwhile.
Conclusion: This foundational resource can lead to implementation of key priority areas and
identifying future directions in physical activity epidemiology, population monitoring and burden of
disease estimates.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 26, 2015
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
• Print ISSN: 0195-9131
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-0315
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 47
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 2129-2139
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000661
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000661
• Related Public URLs: http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/pages/default.aspx
• Additional Information: Funders : Medical Research Council (MRC);British Heart Foundation;Australian Heart Foundation;Australian National Health and Medical Research Council;NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence Grant in the Translational Science of Sedentary Behaviour;Australian Postgraduate Award;The Coca-Cola Company;Body Media;U.S. National Institutes of Health;Technogym;Chartered Society of Physiotherapy;Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network;Australian Research Council; Grant Number: MC_UU_12015/3 and MRC Centenary Award; Grant Number: FS/12/58/29709; Grant Number: PH 12B 7054; Grant Number: APP1041056; Grant Number: FT100100918