Physical Activity in Children: An Evaluation of an Individualized Heart Rate Assessment Academic Article uri icon

Abstract

  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019) recommends that children engage in 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. Heart rate (HR) is a valid, precise, and sensitive measure of physical activity; however, most recommendations for target HR levels are rarely individualized (Eckard et al., 2019). The purpose of this study was to determine individualized HR zones indicative of light, moderate, and vigorous intensity. Ten children engaged in four activity types (sitting/standing, walking slowly, walking briskly, and running) while HR was measured each second. Results indicated that engaging in these activities produced consistently differentiated HRs within participants. Average HRs for each activity differed across participants, indicating individual differences in HR values. Preliminary results provide support for an individualized HR assessment to determine HR zones in assessments and interventions targeting MVPA.

Publication Date

  • 2021-01-01