| Abstract: | The measurement of physical activity is an important issue in health promotion and Public Health campaigns in Australia. This paper examines six community-based national surveys since 1980, each estimating the prevalence of physical activity. These surveys show an apparent increase in the number of highly active Australians. However, the issue of reliable and valid physical activity measures has not been adequately addressed. The different measures used generated different estimates of activity prevalence. Serial surveys in 1985 and 1986, when adjusted for differential measurement error, failed to demonstrate an increase in the number of active Australians. Consistent and validated measurement of physical activity patterns is necessary before public health and preventive programs are developed in this area. |
