title: Validity of Self-Reported Running Distance.
abstract: It is unclear whether there is a difference between subjective evaluation and objective global positioning systems (GPS) measurement of running distance. The purpose of this study was to investigate if such difference exists. A total of 100 participants (51% men; median age, 41.5; body mass, 78.1 kg ±13.8 SD) completed a run of free choice, then subjectively reported the distance in kilometer (km). This information was subsequently compared with the distance derived from a nondifferential GPS watch using paired t-tests and Bland-Altman's 95% limits of agreement. No significant difference was found between the mean paired differences between subjective evaluations and GPS measurements (1.86%, 95% confidence interval = -1.53%; 5.25%, p = 0.96). The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement revealed considerable variation (lower limit = -28% and upper limit = 40%). Such variation exceeds the clinical error range of 10%. In conclusion, the mean running distance (km) is similar between self-reporting and GPS measurements. However, researchers should consider using GPS measurements in favor of subjective reporting of running distance because of considerable variation on an individual level.
authors.affiliation: 1Fysium Physiotherapy and Specialist Running Store, Naestved, Denmark; 2Physiotherapy Kalundborg, Kalundborg, Denmark; and 3Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dideriksen
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Soegaard
authors.forename: Rasmus O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012420:Running; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult