Abstract

A coding scheme is presented for classifying physical activity by rate of energy expenditure, i.e., by intensity. Energy cost was established by a review of published and unpublished data. This coding scheme employs five digits that classify activity by purpose (i.e., sports, occupation, self-care), the specific type of activity, and its intensity as the ratio of work metabolic rate to resting metabolic rate (METs). Energy expenditure in kilocalories or kilocalories per kilogram body weight can be estimated for all activities, specific activities, or activity types. General use of this coding system would enhance the comparability of results across studies using self reports of physical activity.

Keywords

CompendiumComparabilityEnergy expenditureCaloriePhysical activityCoding (social sciences)KilogramEnergy metabolismDoubly labeled waterStatisticsMathematicsBody weightMedicinePhysical therapyInternal medicineGeography

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Publication Info

Year
1993
Type
article
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
71-80
Citations
4051
Access
Closed

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Barbara E. Ainsworth, William L. Haskell, Arthur S. Leon et al. (1993). Compendium of Physical Activities: classification of energy costs of human physical activities. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise , 25 (1) , 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-199301000-00011

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DOI
10.1249/00005768-199301000-00011