4 Abstract Background: Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading modifiable risk factors responsible for numerous chronic diseases and for premature death. Walking can be considered as the most natural form of physical activity and can be easily incorporated into many activities of daily living. Interventions aimed at promoting walking could substantially contribute towards increasing physical activity levels of the most sedentary individuals; within these interventions, pedometers are commonly used as effective motivational instruments to increase walking in healthy adults and across a range clinical conditions. Additional counseling provided in regular intervals throughout the intervention period can positively influence patients' adherence and help patients overcome certain psychological or lifestyle barriers, ultimately increasing physical activity. Objectives: The main objectives are: (1) To evaluate the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking intervention supplemented with a counseling component in a pilot randomized controlled trial. (2) To assess the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on PA levels and health-related outcomes, including measures of mental health and health-related quality of life. (3) To qualitatively explore the views of patients participating in the intervention....

As mudanças observadas no perfil biofísico feminino ao longo dos anos, resultam em ganho ponderal progressivo, com modificações na composição corporal e distribuição do tecido adiposo. Sabe-se que mulheres com maior nível de atividade física possuem um menor percentual de gordura corporal e visceral, quando comparadas com sedentárias, logo, apresentam um perfil mais benéfico do ponto de vista cardiovascular. Todavia, a influência da terapia hormonal sobre estas variáveis, e consequentemente o desenvolvimento de risco cardiovascular, são discutidos. Assim, nosso objetivo foi determinar se existe associação entre o nível de atividade física e variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal, em pacientes pós-menopáusicas antes e depois da terapia hormonal. Foram incluídas 34 mulheres pós-menopáusicas recentes, consultando por sintomas de deficiência estrogênica. As pacientes realizaram avaliação antropométrica: medidas da cintura, quadril, relação cintura quadril, índice de massa corporal e de composição corporal (dobras cutâneas, para avaliação do percentual de gordura corporal) antes e 4 meses após a terapia hormonal. O nível de atividade física foi quantificado através da contagem de passos com pedômetro, e também da aplicação de um questionário. As pacientes apresentaram idade média de 51 ±2,85 anos, tempo de menopausa de 23,1 ±10 meses, o índice de massa corporal =26,94 ±2,59, a circunferência da cintura 83,29 ±5,73 e a relação cintura quadril 0,79 ±0,05 Estas variáveis não diferiram antes e depois da terapia hormonal. Em contraste, observou-se redução no percentual de gordura corporal após 4 meses de terapia hormonal (26,81 ±2,61 - 25,81 ±2,44; p<0,001). Verificou-se uma correlação negativa e significativa da atividade física com o percentual de gordura corporal (r=-0,36, p=0,03), e com relação cintura quadril (r=-043, p=0,01). Quando as pacientes foram estratificadas em ativas ( 6.000 passos diários) e inativas (<6.000 passos diários), observou-se uma correlação negativa e significativa do número de passos com circunferência da cintura (r=-0,42, p=0,04) e relação cintura quadril (r=-0,58, p=0,03) somente nas pacientes ativas, o que não aconteceu nas pacientes inativas. Obtivemos uma redução do percentual de gordura corporal, sem modificações do índice de massa corporal ou da circunferência da cintura ao longo dos 4 meses de terapia hormonal nas pacientes estudadas. O número de passos apresentou correlação negativa com percentual de gordura e medidas de adiposidade central. Estas correlações foram evidentes especialmente nas pacientes consideradas ativas. Estes dados salientam a importância da prática de atividade física na manutenção de um perfil favorável cardiovascular em pacientes sob terapia hormonal para a menopausa. / The changes observed in the biophysical woman profile over the years result in gradual weight gain, with changes in body composition and fat’s distribution. It is known that women with higher levels of physical activity have a lower percentage of body and visceral fat, compared with sedentary ones, with a beneficial cardiovascular profile. However, the influence of hormonal therapy on these variables, and consequently on the development of cardiovascular risk, is discussed. Therefore the goal of the present study was to determine whether there is an association between the level of physical activity and body composition and anthropometric variables, in post-menopausal patients before and after hormonal therapy. Thirty-four recent post-menopausal women, consulting for symptoms of estrogen deficiency, were included in the study. Patients underwent anthropometric assessment: waist, hip, waist to hip ratio, body mass index and body composition (skinfolds, to evaluate the percentage of body fat) before and 4 months after hormonal therapy. The level of physical activity was quantified by both counting the steps with pedometer and the application of a questionnaire. Patients had a mean age of 51 ± 2,85 years, time of menopause, 23.1 ± 10 months, body mass index = 26.94 ± 2.59, waist 83.29 ±5.73, and waist to hip ratio 0.79 ± 0.05. These variables did not differ before and after hormonal therapy. In contrast, there was a reduction in the percentage of body fat after 4 months of hormonal therapy (26.81 ± 2.61 to 25.81 ± 2.44; p <0.001). There was a significant negative correlation of the physical activity with the percentage of body fat (r = - 0.36, p = 0.03), and waist to hip ratio (r = - 0.43, p = 0.01). When the patients were stratified into active ( 6.000 daily steps) and inactive (<6.000 daily steps), there was a significant negative correlation in the number of steps with waist (r = - 0.42, p = 0, .04) and waist to hip ratio (r = - 0.58, p = 0.03) only in active patients, which did not occurred in inactive patients. It was observed a reduction in the percentage of body fat, without modification in body mass index or waist circumference over the 4 months of hormonal therapy in the studied patients. There was also a negative correlation between the number of steps and the percentage of body fat and measurements of central adiposity. These correlations were evident especially in active patients. These data emphasize the relevance of the physical activity’s practice in preserving a favorable cardiovascular profile in patients using hormonal therapy for menopause.

A inatividade física é um fator de risco para o surgimento de diversas doenças, principalmente as cardiovasculares e as neoplasias. Nas últimas décadas, houve uma redução significante das atividades consideradas moderadas e pesadas no local de trabalho. Hoje, o trabalhador passa muito tempo sentado na frente do computador. Portanto, aproveitar a internet no ambiente de trabalho como meio de divulgar as vantagens da prática da atividade física para a sua saúde é fundamental. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção por meio de mensagens eletrônicas no nível de atividade física e no estágio de comportamento dos colaboradores de uma instituição pública hospitalar. Após divulgação via mensagens eletrônicas e nos murais do Instituto de Psiquiatria do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, cinquenta voluntários se inscreveram para participar da pesquisa. Após os critérios de exclusão e desistência, 29 indivíduos iniciaram na pesquisa. Desses, 16 concluíram as 3 fases. Todos os participantes passaram pelas 3 fases da pesquisa, isto é, compuseram o grupo inicial, o grupo controle e após o grupo experimental. A média de idade foi de 40,1± 9,2 anos, o valor médio do IMC foi de 27,5 ± 4,4 kg/m² e 82,2% da amostra foi composta por mulheres. Para avaliar o estágio de comportamento foi utilizado o questionário adaptado por Marcus e Forsyth (2009) que classifica os indivíduos em pré-contemplativo, contemplativo, preparação, ação e manutenção. Para mensurar o nível de atividade física de forma objetiva foi utilizado o pedômetro SW-200 (YAMAX- Japão). De acordo com o número de passos podemos classificá-los em sedentários, insuficientemente ativos ou ativos. Foi utilizado o International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) longo para avaliar, de forma subjetiva, o nível de atividade física no lazer. O protocolo de intervenção consistia no envio de duas mensagens eletrônicas (e-mail) semanais por um período de oito semanas. Para as análises descritivas foi utilizado a média e desvio padrão. O qui-quadrado para as 9 associações. O teste t de student pareado foi utilizado para comparar os momentos pré e pós-intervenção. Para as proporções foi utilizado o teste de comparação de duas proporções. Os pacotes SPSS versão 15.0 e o Stata foram utilizados nas análises. O comportamento sedentário, no qual foram agrupados os pré-contemplativos, contemplativos e preparação, passou de 62,5% para 56,5% após a intervenção. Já o comportamento ativo em que foram agrupados os estágios de ação e manutenção passou de 37,5% para 43,8%. O nível de atividade física no lazer aumentou em 79 minutos (p<0,05) no grupo experimental em relação ao grupo controle. Entretanto, em relação ao início da pesquisa os valores do grupo experimental não se alteraram. A média de passos do grupo controle foi de 10.719, após a intervenção houve um aumento para 11.117 passos. Concluí-se que as mensagens eletrônicas foram eficientes na manutenção do nível de atividade física no lazer e capaz de evoluir na prontidão dos indivíduos para a prática da atividade física, apesar de não apresentar diferenças significantes / Physical inactivity is a risk factor for the emergence of various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms. In recent decades, there has been a significant reduction in activities considered moderate and heavy in the workplace. Today, the worker spends a lot of time sitting in front of computer. So enjoy the Internet in the workplace as a means of spreading the benefits of physical activity for your health is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention through electronic messages in physical activity level and stage of behavior of employees of a public hospital. After spreading via email and on the murals of the Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo, fifty volunteers signed up to participate. After the exclusion criteria and withdrawal, 29 subjects began the search. Of these, 16 completed the 3 phases. All participants went through three phases of the research, ie, formed the initial group, the control group and the experimental group after. Mean age was 40.1 ± 9.2 years, mean BMI was 27.5 ± 4.4 kg / m² and 82.2% of the sample was composed of women. To assess the stage of behavior questionnaire was used adapted by Marcus and Forsyth (2009) that classifies individuals in pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. To measure the level of physical activity objectively was used SW-200 pedometer (Yamax, Japan). According to the number of steps we can classify them into inactive, insufficiently active or assets. IPAQ was used to assess long, subjectively, the level of physical activity during leisure. The intervention protocol consisted in sending two messages (e-mail) weekly for a period of eight weeks. For descriptive analysis was used the mean and standard deviation. The chi-square test for associations. The paired Student t test was used to compare the pre-and post-intervention. For the proportions test was used for comparison of two proportions. Packages SPSS version 15.0 and Stata were used in the analyzes. Sedentary behavior, which were grouped in the pre-contemplative, contemplative and preparation, increased from 62.5% to 56.5% after the intervention. Already active behavior that were grouped stages of action and maintenance increased from 37.5% 11 to 43.8%. The level of physical activity during leisure time increased by 79 minutes (p <0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, compared to the beginning of the search values in the experimental group did not change. The average number of steps of the control group was 10,719, after the intervention had increased to 11,117 steps. It is concluded that electronic messages were effective in maintaining the level of physical activity during leisure time and can evolve in the readiness of individuals to physical activity, although not present significant differences

Abstract Exercise promotes health, work ability, well-being and prevents diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. This study looks at the factors affecting exercise motivation in adults. Factors affecting exercise motivation refers to factors that either motivate people to exercise or restrict them. The study material was gathered from four different sets of subjects: women attending gymnastics classes arranged by the sports association Oulun Voimisteluseura, parents with young children and persons at high risk of type 2 diabetes taking part in the follow-up of the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study in Oulu or the Elvira Counseling project. The survey targeted at female gymnasts (n=76) included open-ended questions and 56 statements which were studied using factor analysis. The survey aimed at parents with young children (n=37) consisted of five open-ended questions. The high-risk persons (n=74) who took part in group counseling in the Elvira Counseling project completed questionnaires at the beginning and at the end of the counseling. Twenty-two of them were interviewed. Group counseling sessions (82 h) were videotaped. The surveys yielded information on issues such as exercise activity and pedometer use and respondents’ assessments of how their exercise volume had been affected by pedometer use. Exercise activity was reported as the means of metabolic equivalent (MET) hours and its 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of changes in MET hours was measured using pairwise t-test, and differences in MET hours between groups were tested with variance analysis. Surveys targeted at persons from Oulu taking part in the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study were conducted in 2003 (n=63) and 2008 (n=71). The survey comprised five open-ended questions. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Exercise motivation consisted of exercise capital, which comprises four sub-areas: exercise activity, exercise as a habit, exercise as a resource and perceiving life situation as conducive to exercise. Factors motivating and restricting exercise came out as physical, mental and social factors. The concept of exercise capital provides a tool for exercise counseling in different life situations. Exercise motivation can be supported by looking at the factors restricting by focusing on their own exercise activity and motivation, by strengthening factors that promote motivation to exercise and by supporting family exercise and the social aspects of exercise. / Tiivistelmä Liikunta edistää terveyttä, työkykyä, hyvinvointia ja ehkäisee sairauksia, kuten tyypin 2 diabetesta. Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitetään, millaisia ovat aikuisten liikuntamotivaatioon vaikuttavat tekijät. Liikuntamotivaatioon vaikuttavilla tekijöillä tarkoitetaan liikkumiseen motivoivia ja liikkumista rajoittavia tekijöitä. Tutkimusaineisto kerättiin neljästä osa-aineistosta: Oulun Voimisteluseuran liikuntaryhmissä käyviltä naisilta, pienten lasten vanhemmilta ja tyypin 2 diabeteksen korkean riskin henkilöiltä, jotka osallistuivat Suomalaisen diabeteksen ehkäisytutkimuksen seurantaan Oulussa tai Elvira counseling -hankkeeseen. Kysely naisvoimistelijoille (n=76) sisälsi avoimia kysymyksiä sekä 56 väittämää, joita tarkasteltiin faktorianalyysillä. Pienten lasten vanhempien (n=37) kysely sisälsi viisi avointa kysymystä. Elvira counseling –hankkeessa toteutettuun ryhmäohjaukseen osallistuneet henkilöt (n=74) vastasivat kyselyyn ohjauksen alussa ja lopussa, heistä 22 haastateltiin, ja kaikki ryhmäohjauskerrat videoitiin (82 h). Kyselyt tuottivat tietoa muun muassa liikunta-aktiivisuudesta ja askelmittarin käytöstä sekä vastaajien arvioita askelmittarin käytön vaikutuksesta heidän liikkumisensa määrään. Liikunta-aktiivisuus raportoitiin metabolic equivalent (MET) -tuntien keskiarvoina ja sen 95 % luottamusväleinä. MET-tunneissa tapahtuneiden muutosten tilastollista merkitsevyyttä mitattiin parittaista T-testiä käyttäen, ja ryhmien välisiä MET-tuntieroja testattiin varianssianalyysilla. Suomalaiseen diabeteksen ehkäisytutkimukseen osallistuneille oululaisille toteutettiin kyselytutkimukset vuosina 2003 (n=63) ja 2008 (n=71). Kysely sisälsi viisi avointa kysymystä. Laadulliset aineistot analysoitiin aineistolähtöisellä sisällönanalyysilla. Liikuntamotivaatio muodostui liikunnallisesta pääomasta, jossa on neljä toisiinsa vaikuttavaa osa-aluetta: liikunta-aktiivisuus, liikunta tottumuksena, liikunta voimavarana sekä elämäntilanteen kokeminen liikkumiselle suotuisana. Liikkumiseen motivoivat tekijät ja liikkumista rajoittavat tekijät ilmenivät fyysisinä, psyykkisinä ja sosiaalisina tekijöinä. Liikunnallisen pääoman käsite tarjoaa työvälineen erilaisissa elämäntilanteissa. Liikuntamotivaatiota voidaan tukea pohtimalla liikkumista rajoittavia tekijöitä oman liikunta-aktiivisuuden ja liikuntamotivaation tarkastelun ja ongelmanratkaisun avulla, vahvistamalla liikkumista motivoivia tekijöitä sekä tukemalla perheliikuntaa ja liikunnan sosiaalisia merkityksiä.

Context: Increased physical activity participation and fitness are cardioprotective. The EUROACTION trial demonstrated that a preventive cardiology programme significantly increased self-reported physical activity participation (Wood et al., 2008). Objective: The EUROACTION Physical Activity and Fitness (EPAF) Study aimed to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the EUROACTION physical activity and exercise intervention at increasing physical activity participation and fitness in people with coronary artery disease (COR) and those at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (HRI) compared to standard care. Study design: A nested study within a paired cluster randomised controlled trial in eight European countries. Methodology: 12 pairs of centres (12 hospitals and 12 general practices) were randomised to receive the EUROACTION programme (INT) or be monitored for usual care (UC). In the INT hospitals, COR patients participated in a 16-week supervised exercise programme and a home-based activity intervention, delivered by a physiotherapist. In INT general practice nurses were trained to deliver personalised physical activity advice to HRI. Outcome measures: Objective physical activity participation was measured by mean number of steps per day (Yamax Digiwalker SW200 pedometer). Fitness was determined by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) [hospital centres] and Chester Step Test (CST) [general practice centres]). Results: The mean number of steps in COR patients at 1–year was significantly higher in INT (+2310 steps, 95% CI +1226 to +3394 steps; P=0.003). The difference in cardiorespiratory fitness (ISWT) exceeded the minimal clinically important difference but was not statistically significant (+54 metres [95% CI - 102.8 to +211.0 metres]; P=0.42). In general practice centres, whilst no significant differences were found at 1 year in mean steps per day (+982 steps, 95% CI -569 to +2533 steps) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CST) at 1-year (+0.93 minutes, 95% CI -0.62 to +2.48 minutes), there was a difference in the change over time in fitness in favour of the INT (+0.94 mins [95% CI +0.23 to +1.66 mins]; P=0.02). Marked heterogeneity impacted on statistical power. All differences observed represented clinically important differences. Conclusion: The EPAF-Study has demonstrated that the EUROACTION programme was effective at increasing physical activity participation but objective measures indicate to a lesser degree than the self-reported physical activity outcomes previously published. Clinically important differences in objectively measured physical activity participation and cardiorespiratory fitness suggest further research, which is sufficiently powered, is warranted.

No description available.

4 Abstract Background: Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading modifiable risk factors responsible for numerous chronic diseases and for premature death. Walking can be considered as the most natural form of physical activity and can be easily incorporated into many activities of daily living. Interventions aimed at promoting walking could substantially contribute towards increasing physical activity levels of the most sedentary individuals; within these interventions, pedometers are commonly used as effective motivational instruments to increase walking in healthy adults and across a range clinical conditions. Additional counseling provided in regular intervals throughout the intervention period can positively influence patients' adherence and help patients overcome certain psychological or lifestyle barriers, ultimately increasing physical activity. Objectives: The main objectives are: (1) To evaluate the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking intervention supplemented with a counseling component in a pilot randomized controlled trial. (2) To assess the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on PA levels and health-related outcomes, including measures of mental health and health-related quality of life. (3) To qualitatively explore the views of patients participating in the intervention....

In recent years physical inactivity among students has become a matter of great concern. Nearly 65% of students do not meet the daily recommended level of physical activity, which is 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, with 50% of that time being spent in moderate to vigorous levels of activity (CDC, 2010b). As a result, the 21st century has shown to be a time of many health problems such as, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In fact, nearly one third of all children are considered obese or overweight (Slawta & DeNeui, 2009). Researchers suggest that these health problems are directly related to students' sedentary lifestyles (Pate et al., 2006). Schools play a pivotal role in addressing and increasing physical activity during the school day. The purpose of this research study was to measure levels of physical activity in elementary students during school hours. Specifically, the study sought to discover if there were increased levels of physical activity while students were using a cross-curricular adventure playground, as compared to when they were engaged in free play or physical education class. The study also compared the different measurement types (pedometers, accelerometers, and the observational method) used to assess physical activity, to indicate which measurement types were most feasible in the elementary school setting. Schools are ideal locations for assessing levels of physical activity, as 95% of all children are enrolled in these learning institutions (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2005). The data indicate that physical education provided for the highest levels of moderate to vigorous activity, while both free play and cross-curricular activity still rendered adequate levels of physical activity. After studying the different measurement protocols (pedometers, accelerometers, and the observational method) used in this study, results suggested the pedometer to be the most feasible device to use for measuring children in these types of physical activity settings. One implication for practice was implementing cross-curricular physical activity as a supplement to other physical activities or as an addition to physical education classes in an effort to allow more time for academic instruction while having students engaged in physical activity. Another recommendation for practice was to use pedometers as a cost-effective physical activity measurement device for elementary students.

Introduction : Les accéléromètres sont actuellement les appareils les plus utilisés pour mesurer le niveau d’activité physique, et ce, parce qu'ils évaluent les niveaux d'activité physique de façon objective. Toutefois, les mouvements humains sont difficiles à mesurer, et de nombreuses limitations doivent être prises en considération pour la bonne utilisation des accéléromètres. Les études présentées s’intéressent donc à la validité de la fonction podomètre des accéléromètres ainsi qu’à la validation de la composante accéléromètre d’un nouvel appareil multicapteur (SenseDoc). Méthode : Les sujets ayant participé à la première étude, qui consistait en la validation de la fonction podomètre des accéléromètres, ont marché sur un tapis roulant à trois vitesses différentes (2,5 km/h, 3,5 km/h et 4,8 km/h) pendant 5 minutes par palier. Un accéléromètre (ActiGraph GT3X) porté à la ceinture a enregistré le nombre de pas tandis qu'une caméra a enregistré la marche des participants. Pour la seconde étude, les participants portaient un accéléromètre Actigraph et un SenseDoc à la hanche. Les données brutes des accéléromètres et la mesure de la consommation d’oxygène par calorimétrie indirecte ont été mesurées lors de 14 activités réalisées en laboratoire allant de sédentaires à vigoureuses. Résultats : La première étude indique que les accéléromètres ont détecté seulement 53 % des pas à 2,5 km/h, 82 % à 3,5 km/h et 91 % à 4,8 km/h pour les personnes non obèses. Pour les personnes obèses, l'accéléromètre a détecté 47 % des pas à 2.5 km/h, 67 % à 3.5 km/h et 100 % à 4.8 km/h, des résultats significativement différents des personnes non obèses. La seconde étude confirme pour sa part que le SenseDoc est un outil valide de mesure du niveau d’activité physique. Les accéléromètres possèdent une bonne capacité prédictive de la dépense énergétique avec des valeurs de R carré de 0,84 et 0,80 respectivement pour l'Actigraph et le SenseDoc. Conclusion : À vitesse de marche lente, les accéléromètres sous-estiment le nombre de pas, et ce, dans une plus large mesure chez les personnes obèses que chez les personnes non obèses. Également, une méthode valide et transparente de transformation de données brutes d’accélérométrie a été divulguée dans l’étude avec le SenseDoc. Les travaux présentés dans ce mémoire visent à améliorer l’utilisation en milieu clinique et en recherche des accéléromètres et ouvrent la voie à une plus grande uniformité entre les études utilisant différents types d’accéléromètres. / Introduction: The accelerometers are currently the most used in the measurement of physical activity, because they assess physical activity levels objectively. However, human movements are difficult to measure, and many limitations must be taken into account for the proper use of accelerometers. The studies presented are therefore interested in the validity of the step count function of accelerometers and in the validation process of the accelerometry component of a new multi-sensor (SenseDoc). Method: The subjects who participated in the first study, which consisted of validating the pedometer function of accelerometers, walked on a treadmill at three different speeds (2.5 km/h, 3.5 km/h and 4.8 km/h) for 5 minutes per stage. An accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X, Fort Walton Beach, FL) worn at the waist, recorded the number of steps while a camera recorded the progress of participants for comparison. In the second study, participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer and the SenseDoc, the prototype to validate. The raw accelerometers data and the measurement of oxygen consumption by indirect calorimetry were measured in 14 activities ranging from sedentary to vigorous. Results: The first study indicates that the accelerometers have detected 53% of steps at 2.5 km/h, 82% at 3.5 km/h and 91% at 4.8 km/h with non-obese individuals. In obese individuals, the accelerometer have detected 47% at 2.5 km/h, 67% at 3.5 km/h and 100% at 4.8 km/h, results significantly different from those of non-obese individuals. The second study confirms that SenseDoc is a valid device for measuring the level of physical activity. Raw-data derived calculated counts of VMAG predicted the VO2 values well, with adjusted r-squared values of 0.84 and 0.80 for the Actigraph and SenseDoc, respectively. Conclusion: At slower walking speed, accelerometers underestimate the number of steps and that, to a large extent in obese than non-obese people. Also, a valid and transparent method of processing raw accelerometer data was disclosed in the study with the SenseDoc. Studies presented in this master’s thesis will improve the clinical use and research accelerometers and paved the way for greater consistency between studies using different types of accelerometers.

This diploma thesis deals with the topic of detection of the level of movement activity of students of primary school teaching on the ZU PF Plzeň. Movement activity and its benefits, effects of insufficient movement that result in various health problems or diseases and general recommendations of prevention of the sedentary way of life have been introduced in the theoretical background chapter. In the practical part the author has done a three weeks research of the movement level of students and has gained the numbers of steps. The pedometers Yamax Digiwalker SW-700 have been used for monitoring, measured values had been evaluated and elaborated. The body parameters, height, weight have been discovered and the BMI indexes have been calculated for the right determination of the level of movement.