Self-reported pediatric measures of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and strength impact for PROMIS: conceptual framework

Children's physical activity (PA) levels are commonly assessed in pediatric clinical research, but rigorous self-report assessment tools for children are scarce, and computer adaptive test implementations are rare. Our objective was to improve pediatric self-report measures of activity using semistructured interviews with experts and children for conceptualization of a child-informed framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted to conceptualize PA, sedentary behaviors, and strengthening activities. We performed systematic literature reviews to identify item-level concepts used to assess these 3 domains. We developed conceptual frameworks for each domain using words and phrases identified by children as relevant. Semistructured interview methods provide valuable information of children's perspectives and the ways children recall previous activities. Conceptualized domains of PA are based on the literature and expert views, which also reflect children's experiences and understanding, providing a basis for pediatric self-report instruments.