Abstract
The terminology used for monitoring and promoting physical activity and exercise among
health and fitness professionals varies considerably. There is a large array of descriptor
terms reported in the literature and used in day-to-day practice and this inconsistency
can be confusing for clients and practitioners alike. The variation in terminology
also makes it difficult to track changes in activity patterns over time and across
studies. There are also a range of objective and relative intensity cut-offs used
to describe the same intensity descriptors. This position statement addresses the
question of standardisation of physical activity and exercise intensity terminology
and makes recommendations that should assist those undertaking research and prescribing
physical activity/exercise as well as those clients who are receiving professional
guidance.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 11, 2009
Accepted:
September 25,
2009
Received in revised form:
September 23,
2009
Received:
May 29,
2009
Footnotes
☆Exercise and Sport Science Australia and Fitness Australia.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
