Comparison of Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Undergraduate Students

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate differences between estimates of sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and accelerometry in undergraduate students. 91 students participated in the study. Sedentary behavior and PA were objectively measured by an accelerometer for 7 days and then self-reported with the IPAQ. Partial correlations were used to assess associations among PA variables and participant characteristics between the methods. Agreement was assessed via the Bland–Altman method. Correlation coefficients between self-reported and objectively measured PA ranged from 0.21 to 0.38 (p≤ 0.05 for all). A higher proportion of students were classified as meeting PA guidelines via self-report compared to objective measurements. Bland–Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement between methods, however, bias was evident for all PA intensities. Sex and lean body mass impacted these differences. Researchers should exercise caution when interpreting PA assessed via the IPAQ in undergraduate students.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical activity
• accelerometer
• bland-altman method
• self-report
• sitting

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Kate Connor, Devin Drummer, and Gerald Hagler for their assistance throughout the study. In addition, we would like to thank the participants for their time and effort. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences under grant U54GM104944. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest and that the results of the present study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, U54GM104944. [CTR-INNIH NIGMS #1U54GM104944-01A1].