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Research Strategy 1
Identify valid and reliable measures of physical activity and physical
function that are appropriate for different segments of the 50+ population.
Tactics
Develop a steering committee of Blueprint partner organizations.
Commission reports on currently available field-based assessments of
both physical activity and physical function.
Organize an international consensus building conference on measurement
and assessment.
Convene separate groups of experts on physical activity and physical function
to evaluate the use and effectiveness of different measurement tools.
Identify the research gaps and plan a strategic research agenda to fill
those gaps.
National Organizations
American College of Sports Medicine and National Institute on Aging (Lead Organizations)
American Geriatrics Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Human Kinetics, International Council on Active Aging, National Institutes
of Health, and other organizations.
Organization Contributions
Organizations would provide content specialists, support the commissioned
papers and meetings, and fund research initiatives. Long-term tactics might
include developing a toolkit that helps researchers and practitioners to
select, administer, and interpret measures and develop a centralized database
to refine test standards.
Required Resources
Expertise to define current knowledge and establish criteria for evaluation.
Secure funding.
Access to marketing and publication outlets for reports and toolkits.
Access to a clearinghouse.
Success Factors
Need buy-in from researchers and multiple groups (e.g., clinicians, community
practitioners, 50+ population).
Evaluation of progress toward goals is required.
Research results must be easily understood by lay audiences.
Progress Report
In October 2003, ACSM, American Alliance for Heath, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and Human Kinetics sponsored an international conference on Measurement and Physical Activity in Urbana, Illinois. A key theme of the meeting was issues related to the assessment of activity and fitness in older adults.
A follow-up conference will be held in fall 2005 to focus on issues related to walking.
Return to Strategic Priorities for Increasing Physical Activity
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