Identification of Factors Associated With Physical Activity Levels in Adult Muscle Diseases

The SenseWear software calculates energy expenditure based on a proprietary algorithm that incorporates subject height, weight, age, and sex which are entered prior to data analysis as well as the various measurements (two-axis accelerometry, galvanic skin response, heat flux, skin and near-body temperature).

The SenseWear software calculates number of steps based on a proprietary algorithm that incorporates subject height, weight, age, and sex which are entered prior to data analysis.

27 item self-reported measure of physical activity for use with individual adult patients aged 15 to 69 years old. The IPAQ can be used clinically and in population research that compares physical activity levels between populations internationally. Duration (minutes) and frequency (days) of physical activity in the last 7 days is measured in domains of: Job-related, transportation, housework, house maintenance, caring for family, recreation, sport, leisure-time and time spent sitting. Overall score calculated using responses to all questions (Score is obtained by multiplying duration and frequency for each question) and total MET-min/week score obtained.

10 cm line anchored at both ends with words descriptive of the maximal and minimal extremes of the pain being measured. Individuals mark their pain intensity on a line numbered 0-10.

The 9-item scale which measures the severity of fatigue and its effect on a person's activities and lifestyle in patients with a variety of disorders.. The items are scored on a 7 point scale with 1 = strongly disagree and 7= strongly agree. The minimum score = 9 and maximum score possible = 63. Higher the score = greater fatigue severity.

The ACTIVLIM questionnaire explores difficulties of performing daily activities that required the use of upper limbs or/and the use of lower limbs. The adult patients and the parents of affected children fill in either the adult form or the child form of the questionnaire. They are asked to provide their perceived difficulty in performing each activity using a three-level scale: impossible (0), difficult (1), easy (2). Each activity must be completed without technical or human assistance.

The SF-36 is a generic patient-reported outcome measure aimed at quantifying health status, and is often used as a measure of health-related quality of life. The SF-36 is a 36-item questionnaire that measures the physical and mental health constructs of health status. These constructs are measured through 8 subscales. The physical component (PCS) is made up of physical functioning (PF), role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), and general health (GH). The Mental component (MCS) is made up of vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role-emotional (RE), and mental health (ME). Each of the 36 items is answered using a Likert-type scale and a 4-week recall period, with a total score of 0-100 possible. A higher score indicates better health status.

A quantitative and objective method for assessment of muscular strength using a portable hand held dynamometer. "Break Test" option is used in the study. "Break Test" where the tester applies a force to just overcome the strength of the person being tested, producing an eccentric muscular contraction and scored using force production in Newtons. 3 maximum voluntary isometric contractions are completed and scores summed.

Assesses distance walked over 6 minutes as a sub-maximal test of aerobic capacity/endurance. Walk of cover as far a distance as possible over 6 minute. Assistive devices can be used but kept consistent from test to test. Individual should be able to ambulate without physical assistance.

Assesses mobility, balance, walking ability, and fall risk. The patient sits in the chair with his/her back against the chair back. On the command "go", the patient rises from the chair, walks 3 meters at a comfortable and safe pace, turns, walks back to the chair and sits down. Timing begins at the instruction "go" and stops when the patient is seated. Patient must use the same assistive device each time he/she is tested to be able to compare scores. 3 trials are completed and scores summed.