Declared and real physical activity in obese individuals as assessed by the questionnaire and accelerometer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of precise research data related to the evaluation of the physical activity level (PAL) among obese individuals, the aims of the study were to evaluate declared and real volume of physical activity, and to assess the correlations between these methods. METHODS: The study consisted of 30 female (M-age =32.9 +/- 7.3 years) and 16 male (M-age=36.4 +/- 8.4 years) a total of 46 obese volunteer individuals were included (M-bmi:37.6 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2), M-bmi: 34.2 +/- 43 kg/m(2); body fat percentage: 42.1% and 35.2%, respectively). A cross-sectional study was conducted on the obese people. The inionnation form was prepared for obese individuals who applied the Health Institutions and body composition measurements were performed with Tanita BC-1000. PAL was assessed objectively by a Sense Wear Armband (SWA) for 7 consecutive days- and seven day later the participants fill out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF). For statistical analysis, the data were presented as mean values, Standard deviations (SD), frequency (f), and percentage (%). Spearman's Rho Correlation were used, and the significant level was P<0.05. RESULTS: According to IPAQ and SWA, 69.6% (10.9% plus 58.7%) of the participants (N.=32) estimated activity levels as correct. The PAL of 30.4% (N.=14) of the participants does not seem to be consistent. According to the IPAQ and SWA, the rates of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were 80.4%, 67.4% respectively. Weak correlation was found-between IPAQ-MET and SWA-step/day and SWA-MET respectively (r((s))=0.381; 0.410 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity level being assessed by a subjective method was different from the objective method in obese individuals. In addition to this, sample groups and limitations should be taken into consideration when determining suitable methods.