title: Accuracy of self-reported physical activity as an indicator of cardiovascular fitness depends on education level.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether there is a relationship between the level of education and the accuracy of self-reported physical activity as a proxy measure of aerobic fitness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination from the years 1999 to 2004 were used. Linear regression was performed for measured maximum oxygen consumption (Vo(2)max) versus self-reported physical activity for 5 different levels of education.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a national survey in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included adults from the general U.S. population (N=3290).
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Coefficients of determination obtained from models for each education level were used to compare how well self-reported physical activity represents cardiovascular fitness. These coefficients were the main outcome measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Coefficients of determination for Vo(2)max versus reported physical activity increased as the level of education increased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this preliminary study, self-reported physical activity is a better proxy measure for aerobic fitness in highly educated individuals than in poorly educated individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. pbgerrard@partners.org
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gerrard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D014481:United States