Assessment of physical activity

Abstract

A subjective (questionnaires) or objective (e.g. activity monitors such as step counters, accelerometers and wearable devices) physical activity measurement can be done in several ways. The present chapter describes different methods to measure physical activity in patients with COPD. Several subjective and objective ways of measurement are described, together with their advantages and disadvantages, both for research and clinical practice. In addition, important considerations in the post-processing of physical activity data (e.g. definition of a valid measument) and challenges in the interpretation of physical activity data (e.g. influence of season) are discussed.