Validation of a simplified physical activity record by doubly labeled water technique.
BACKGROUND
For obtaining reliable information about physical activity in epidemiological studies, validated and easy-to-use instruments are required. Therefore, a new simplified physical activity record based on 15-min recording intervals was developed and validated.


METHODS
Nonobese volunteers (n = 31).


METHODS
Physical activity was recorded over a 7-day period without detailed instructions. Energy expenditure was calculated (EE(sPAR)) and compared to energy expenditure measured by doubly labelled water technique (EE(DLW)).


RESULTS
A good agreement between EE(sPAR) (12.1+/-3.0) and EE(DLW) (11.7+/-3.3) with a mean difference of 0.33+/-1.55 MJ (r = 0.880, P < 0.001) was observed. The absolute difference between EE(sPAR) and EE(DLW) was < 10% in 65% of the subjects. The difference between EE(sPAR) and EE(DLW) was independent of gender, age, body weight, and body mass index. A weak positive association between the difference and total body fat was observed (r = 0.618, P < 0.001), suggesting a slight tendency to overestimate EE(sPAR) with increasing total body fat.


CONCLUSIONS
The new simplified physical activity protocol needs no detailed instructions, provides valid estimates of physical activity in nonobese free-living adults and can be used in epidemiological studies to assess total daily energy expenditure and physical activity level.
Koebnick
C
C
German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany. koebnick@mail.dife.de
Wagner
K
K
Thielecke
F
F
Moeseneder
J
J
Hoehne
A
A
Franke
A
A
Meyer
H
H
Garcia
A L
AL
Trippo
U
U
Zunft
H J F
HJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D017666:Deuterium Oxide; D004282:Documentation; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology; D014937:Work / Q000502:physiology
D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D017666:Deuterium Oxide