Akzelerometrie zur Erfassung körperlicher Aktivität: Empfehlungen zur Methodik.

Accelerometry is an internationally well-established procedure for the objective measurement of habitual physical activity in large samples under free-living conditions and shows good psychometric properties. Accelerometers register the intensity and duration of single or multiaxial body acceleration. The duration of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity as well as sedentary time is calculated based on cutpoint models and energy expenditure is estimated by linear regression models. Nevertheless, the comparability of results between studies remains limited due to the use of different devices, protocols, calibration procedures and presentation of results. The recommendations, perspectives and limitations of accelerometer use described here have been collated and agreed by all members of the consensus group. Currently, there is no evidence for recommending a specific accelerometer model as model selection depends on the study question, target groups and study design. To obtain objective information on habitual physical activity behavior, a minimum wear time of 7 consecutive days with a minimum of 10 h/day including one weekend day is recommended. To avoid bias the selected epoch length should be as short as possible or raw data should be recorded. For adults, the cutpoint model of Freedson et al. (1998) for estimating different activity categories is well accepted. Methodological limitations include the recognition of activities with limited body acceleration, such as bicycling or weight training and the estimation of energy expenditure using only linear regression models

Effectiveness of and user experience with web-based interventions in increasing physical activity levels in people with Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic review

Background: Supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to achieve and maintain recommended levels of physical activity is important but challenging. Web-based interventions are increasingly being used to deliver targeted exercise programs and promote physical activity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically review current evidence regarding the effectiveness and user experience of web-based interventions in increasing physical activity in people with MS. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, PsychInfo, Web of Sciences, The Cochrane Library, and gray literature were searched from 1990 to September 2016. Study Selection: English language articles reporting the use of web-based interventions to increase physical activity in adults with MS were included. Eligible quantitative studies were of any design and reported a measure of physical activity. Qualitative studies exploring users' experiences in any context were included. Of the 881 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data using standardized critical appraisal and data extraction tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Data Synthesis: Meta-analysis of self-reported physical activity questionnaire data from 4 studies demonstrated a standardized mean difference of 0.67 (95% CI = 0.43-0.92), indicating a positive effect in favor of the web-based interventions. Narrative review of accelerometry data from 3 studies indicated increases in objectively measured physical activity. No qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Limitations: In the 9 included articles, only 2 different interventions (used with people who were ambulant) were reported. Conclusions: Web-based interventions had a short-term positive effect on self-reported physical activity in people who had MS and were ambulant. Evidence is not currently available to support or refute their use in the long-term or with people who are not ambulant

Neurology and the Internet: a review

Nowadays, the Internet is the major source to obtain information about diseases and their treatments. The Internet is gaining relevance in the neurological setting, considering the possibility of timely social interaction, contributing to general public awareness on otherwise less-well-known neurological conditions, promoting health equity and improving the health-related coping. Neurological patients can easily find several online opportunities for peer interactions and learning. On the other hand, neurologist can analyze user-generated data to better understand patient needs and to run epidemiological studies. Indeed, analyses of queries from Internet search engines on certain neurological diseases have shown a strict temporal and spatial correlation with the “real world.” In this narrative review, we will discuss how the Internet is radically affecting the healthcare of people with neurological disorders and, most importantly, is shifting the paradigm of care from the hands of those who deliver care, into the hands of those who receive it. Besides, we will review possible limitations, such as safety concerns, financial issues, and the need for easy-to-access platforms