The validity of children's self-reports of physical activity: a preliminary study

Ninety-two healthy children provided self-reports of their physical activity. Self-reports were based upon posters depicting children performing typical childhood activities and were validated by measured oxygen uptake during maximal cycle ergometry. Results indicated that when children were classified as sedentary or active by their poster selection, active children had significantly greater oxygen uptake than sedentary children. These results, while preliminary, are the first to indicate that children's self-reports can provide a valid index of maximal oxygen uptake, the 'gold standard' of aerobic fitness.