The relationship between pedometer-determined and self-reported physical activity and body composition variables in college-aged men and women.
Pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) is inversely related to body composition in middle-aged adults; however, researchers have not established such a relationship in college students.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, the authors attempted to characterize PA and examine its relationship with body composition in undergraduate college students (N = 88).


METHODS
The authors measured the BC of 44 women (M age = 21 +/- 1 year, M body mass index [BMI] = 23.9 +/- 4 kg/m2) and 44 men (M age = 22 +/- 1 year, BMI = 26.9 +/- 0.9 kg/m2); participants also wore a pedometer for 7 days and completed a PA questionnaire.


RESULTS
Men averaged significantly more steps/day (10,027 +/- 3,535) than did women (8,610 +/- 2,252). For women only, the authors observed significant correlations between steps/day and body composition variables. Men reported engaging in vigorous PA significantly more often than did women.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that men engage in PA more often but that PA is related to body composition only in women. In addition, there is better agreement between pedometer-measured and self-reported PA in college-aged men than women.
Mestek
Michael L
ML
Department of Health and Human Performance, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. michael.mestek@colorado.edu
Plaisance
Eric
E
Grandjean
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D012572:School Health Services; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*