Accelerometer-measured versus self-reported physical activity in college students: implications for research and...

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology and Exercise Science
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) is crucial for understanding population health.
• College students represent a key demographic for public health interventions.
• Discrepancies exist between self-reported and objectively measured PA levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) in college students using both self-report and accelerometry.
• To identify intrapersonal (e.g., athletic identity) and contextual (e.g., perceived barriers) factors associated with PA.
• To compare PA estimates derived from self-report versus objective measures.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven college students participated in the study.
• Physical activity (PA) was measured over two weeks using accelerometry.
• Participants also completed validated self-report measures for PA, athletic identity, and exercise-related benefits and barriers.

Main Results:

• Self-reported MVPA was significantly higher than accelerometer-measured MVPA.
• Athletic identity, perceived social benefits, perceived social barriers, and time-effort barriers were correlated with PA levels.
• These findings highlight a notable overestimation of PA via self-report in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Estimating college students' PA requires careful consideration of measurement methods, as self-report and accelerometry yield different results.
• College students may be less active than commonly perceived.
• Interventions should address identified barriers and leverage factors like athletic identity to promote PA.