Self-reported physical activity validated by pedometer: a pilot study.

Objective: The objective was to validate self-reported physical activity based on a daily activity record (DAR) with concurrent pedometer and 7-day physical activity-recall questionnaire data.

Design: The design was a one-group descriptive correlational study.

Sample: The sample consisted of 25 working women with a mean age of 39.8 years, 92% Caucasian, and 63% with a combined family income of 60,000 dollars or greater.

Measurements: Three instruments: (a) DAR, a self-reported record of moderate or higher intensity physical activities including household, exercise, leisure, and occupational. Metabolic equivalent unit (MET) scores were calculated from the self-report data, (b) 7-day physical activity recall, and (3) Yamax pedometers (SW-701) measured number of steps.

Results: MET scores based on the DAR (n=22) were strongly associated with both pedometer data (Spearman's rho=0.607, p=0.003) and 7-day physical activity-recall data (Spearman's rho=0.542, p=0.009).

Conclusion: The results of this validation study indicated a statistically significant correlation of self-reported physical activity (DAR) with pedometer values and 7-day physical activity-recall data. The DAR may be useful for measuring physical activity in community health programs and in community-based research.