Practical Challenges in Measuring Physical Activity in Children – Dr. Ying Gao (Pt4)

Physical Activity Researcher

"What practical challenges arise in measuring physical activity among children?"
In this final part of the episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen and Dr. Ying Gao discuss the real-world challenges faced when collecting physical activity data from children using devices like Fibion. Dr. Gao shares her experience with device placement, tape sensitivity, and device retention, revealing that around 15-20% of devices were lost in initial studies due to a lack of clear instructions for parents and children. By enhancing communication with parents and teachers and providing practical solutions like custom-made pockets in shorts, Dr. Gao’s team significantly improved data retention and device return rates.

Dr. Gao also highlights how varying humidity levels in different locations impact device attachment and shares strategies, such as using specific tapes and providing flexible study schedules, to make participation easier for children. This episode is essential for researchers looking to understand the logistical considerations in physical activity data collection among young participants.

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This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

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Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

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Learn more about Fibion Flash - a versatile customizable tool with HRV and accelerometry capability.

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SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

Learn more about Fibion Research.

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Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

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Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

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Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

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Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

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Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

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Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

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Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

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For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

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Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

Check our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher