Self-reported physical activity validated by pedometer: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to validate self-reported physical activity based on a daily activity record (DAR) with concurrent pedometer and 7-day physical activity-recall questionnaire data.


METHODS
The design was a one-group descriptive correlational study.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 25 working women with a mean age of 39.8 years, 92% Caucasian, and 63% with a combined family income of 60,000 dollars or greater.


METHODS
Three instruments: (a) DAR, a self-reported record of moderate or higher intensity physical activities including household, exercise, leisure, and occupational. Metabolic equivalent unit (MET) scores were calculated from the self-report data, (b) 7-day physical activity recall, and (3) Yamax pedometers (SW-701) measured number of steps.


RESULTS
MET scores based on the DAR (n=22) were strongly associated with both pedometer data (Spearman's rho=0.607, p=0.003) and 7-day physical activity-recall data (Spearman's rho=0.542, p=0.009).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this validation study indicated a statistically significant correlation of self-reported physical activity (DAR) with pedometer values and 7-day physical activity-recall data. The DAR may be useful for measuring physical activity in community health programs and in community-based research.
Speck
Barbara J
BJ
University of Louisville, KY 40292, USA. bjspec01@louisville.edu
Looney
Stephen W
SW
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009043:Motor Activity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012650:Self Disclosure; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014931:Women, Working