Key result
Self-reported estimations of time spent in moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity were significantly higher than accelerometer-measured levels among college students.
Why the study?
Does self-reported physical activity differ from accelerometer-measured physical activity in college students?
Cross-Sectional (n=77)
No
Does self-reported physical activity differ from accelerometer-measured physical activity in college students?
Self-reported physical activity significantly overestimates actual moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to objective accelerometer data in college students.
Self-reported MVPA overestimates objective levels in college students; leaves open validity of self-reports for surveillance and trials.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) assessed via self-report and accelerometer in the college population, and to examine intrapersonal and contextual variables associated with physical activity (PA). PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 77 college students at a university in the northwest sampled between January 2011 and December 2011. METHODS: Participants completed a validated self-report measure of PA and measures of athletic identity and benefits and barriers to exercise. Participants' PA levels were assessed for 2 weeks via accelerometry. RESULTS: Participants' estimations of their time spent engaged in MVPA were significantly higher when measured via self-report versus accelerometry. Stronger athletic identity, perceived social benefits and barriers, and time-effort barriers were related to PA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of college students' level of PA may require interpretation of data from different measurement methods, as self-report and accelerometry generate different estimations of PA in college students who may be even less active than previously believed.
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Downs et al. (2013) reported a cross-sectional. Self-reported physical activity measurement vs. Accelerometer measurement was evaluated on Time spent engaged in moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). Self-reported estimations of time spent in moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity were significantly higher than accelerometer-measured levels among college students.
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