Methodology for Assessing Infant (0–2 Years) Movement Using Accelerometers: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Measuring infants’ (0–2 years) physical activity is a growing area of research globally. Accelerometers have been widely used to measure older children’s and adults’ physical activity. An increasing number of studies have used accelerometers as a way to measure infant physical activity, which has resulted in the application of a variety of methods. The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize the published literature on accelerometer methodology to measure daytime physical activity among infants (0–2 years). A systematic search of five online databases using carefully selected key terms was conducted to compile relevant literature. The results of the online database searches were screened for inclusion in the scoping review. In total, 105 articles met the inclusion criteria of using accelerometers to measure infants’ physical activity. The methodologies used in the included studies were categorized by age groups: <1 month, 1–6 months, >6–12 months, >12–18 months, >18–24 months, and longitudinal (i.e., multiple measurements taken across the previously mentioned age groups). Accelerometry methodologies (e.g., wear location, number of devices, device initialization) and study design qualities (e.g., outcome of interest and location of data collection) varied widely between and within the various age groups. Accelerometer brand or type of device demonstrated greatest variation across included studies. However, ActiGraph devices to measure physical activity within free-living environments were the most common. This review provides evidence of the need for researchers to ensure the methodology used is reported in detail in order to help develop methodology that can accurately assess infant daytime movement.