Physical Activity Change in an RCT: Comparison of Measurement Methods

Am J Health Behav. 2019 May 1;43(3):543-555. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.43.3.9.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to quantify the agreement between self-report, standard cut-point accelerometer, and machine learning accelerometer estimates of physical activity (PA), and exam- ine how agreement changes over time among older adults in an intervention setting. Methods: Data were from a randomized weight loss trial that encouraged increased PA among 333 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. PA was estimated using accelerometry and a validated questionnaire at baseline and 6-months. Accelerometer data were processed using standard cut-points and a validated machine learning algorithm. Agreement of PA at each time-point and change was assessed using mixed effects regression models and concordance correlation. Results: At baseline, self-report and machine learning provided similar PA estimates (mean dif- ference = 11.5 min/day) unlike self-report and standard cut-points (mean difference = 36.3 min/ day). Cut-point and machine learning methods assessed PA change over time more similarly than other comparisons. Specifically, the mean difference of PA change for the cut-point versus machine learning methods was 5.1 min/day for intervention group and 2.9 in controls, whereas it was ≥ 24.7 min/day for other comparisons. Conclusions: Intervention researchers are facing the issue of self-report measures introducing bias and accelerometer cut-points being insensi- tive. Machine learning approaches may bridge this gap.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry / standards*
  • Aged
  • Cancer Survivors
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning*
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / standards*
  • Self Report / standards*