Surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior among youth and adults in the United States: History and opportunities

16Citations
Citations of this article
20Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Background: Surveillance is a core function of public health, and approaches to national surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior have evolved over the past 2 decades. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the United States over the past 2 decades, along with related challenges and emerging opportunities. Methods: The authors reviewed key national surveillance systems for the assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior among youth and adults in the United States between 2000 and 2019. Results: Over the past 20 years, 8 surveillance systems have assessed physical activity, and 5 of those have assessed sedentary behavior. Three of the 8 originated in nonpublic health agencies. Most systems have assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior via surveys. However, survey questions varied over time within and also across systems, resulting in a wide array of available data. Conclusion: The evolving nature of physical activity surveillance in the United States has resulted in both broad challenges (eg, balancing content with survey space; providing data at the national, state, and local level; adapting traditional physical activity measures and survey designs; and addressing variation across surveillance systems) and related opportunities.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Omura, J. D., Whitfield, G. P., Chen, T. J., Hyde, E. T., Ussery, E. N., Watson, K. B., & Carlson, S. A. (2021, August 1). Surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior among youth and adults in the United States: History and opportunities. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Human Kinetics Publishers Inc. https://doi.org/10.1123/JPAH.2021-0179

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free