Difference between self-reported and accelerometer measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in youth

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2010 Nov;22(4):523-34. doi: 10.1123/pes.22.4.523.

Abstract

We examined differences between objective (accelerometer) and subjective (selfreport) measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth. Participants included 2761 youth aged 12-19 years. Within each sex and race group, objective and self-reported measures of MVPA were poorly correlated (R² = .01-.10). Self-reported MVPA values were higher than objective values (median: 42.4 vs. 15.0 min/d). 65.4% of participants over-reported their MVPA by ³5 min/d. The difference between self-reported and objective measures was not influenced by sex, age, or race. There was, however, a systematic difference such that inactive participants over-reported their MVPA to the greatest extent.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Adolescent
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Self Disclosure*
  • United States
  • Young Adult