Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is linked to obesity and early onset Type II diabetes in children. Self-report is the most common method of collecting physical activity data, yet there is a paucity of research about self-report methods that support valid recall in children. Child energy expenditure in physical activity is being determined1, but these data have not been integrated into self-report instruments. This study will design with children, implement and evaluate a web- based computer application for child self-report of physical activity. Included will be algorithms to calculate child energy expenditure and feedback mechanisms for children, parents, and health care professionals. First a qualitative research design will be used to determine what children consider a """"""""friendly"""""""" computer interface. This information will provide the basis for interface development. The second phase will pilot the application to examine children's use of the program to self-report their activities. The final study phase will be a validation study with corresponding physiologic measurements. Capitalizing on available computer technology will facilitate data collection speed and accuracy and provide a mechanism for feedback. Both child energy expenditure data and computer software for self-reporting can be applicable to other populations.
| Christian, Becky J; Pearce, Patricia F; Roberson, Anthony J et al. (2010) It's a small, small world: data collection strategies for research with children and adolescents. J Pediatr Nurs 25:202-14 |
| Pearce, Patricia F; Harrell, Joanne S; McMurray, Robert G (2008) Middle-school children's understanding of physical activity: ""if you're moving, you're doing physical activity"". J Pediatr Nurs 23:169-82 |
| Pearce, Patricia F; Williamson, Jacquelyn; Harrell, Joanne S et al. (2007) The children's computerized physical activity reporter: children as partners in the design and usability evaluation of an application for self-reporting physical activity. Comput Inform Nurs 25:93-105 |
