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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Cross-sectional relationship between diet and physical activity in two southeastern New England communities
C B Eaton1, J B McPhillips, K M Gans
1Department of Family Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Regular physical activity is linked to healthier diets, including more fiber, fruits, and vegetables. This suggests diet may confound the relationship between exercise and chronic disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between physical activity and health outcomes is well-established.
- However, the potential confounding effect of diet on this relationship has been under-explored in epidemiological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether health-promoting dietary patterns associated with higher physical activity levels confound the observed relationship between regular physical activity and health.
- To compare the dietary habits of individuals with different levels of physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional evaluation of self-reported physical activity and dietary intake using the Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire.
- Data collected from 2,004 participants in two southeastern New England communities.
- Statistical adjustments for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and physiological factors including age, gender, education, smoking status, survey year, and total caloric intake.
Main Results:
- Individuals engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activity consumed significantly more fiber, vitamins (A, C, D, E), beta-carotene, and calcium compared to sedentary individuals (P < .01).
- More active participants also reported higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (P < .001).
- These associations were consistent across both studied communities.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between higher levels of habitual physical activity and healthier dietary patterns.
- Dietary factors may confound the relationship between physical activity and chronic disease risk.
- Further research is warranted to disentangle the independent and interactive effects of diet and physical activity on health.
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