Self-reported and objectively measured activity related to biomarkers using NHANES

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise Vol. 43; no. 5; p. 815
• Main Authors: Atienza, Audie A, Moser, Richard P, Perna, Frank, Dodd, Kevin, Ballard-Barbash, Rachel, Troiano, Richard P, Berrigan, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2011
• Subjects: Actigraphy - instrumentation; Adult; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity - physiology; Nutrition Surveys; Regression Analysis; Self Report; United States; Young Adult; United States
• ISSN: 1530-0315
• DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e3181fdfc32

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent associations of self-reported and objectively measured (using accelerometers) moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physiological and anthropometric biomarkers in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 data were analyzed. Adults 20 yr and older (N=5797) with self-reported PA and 4 d or more of accelerometer data were included in the analyses. Pregnant or lactating women were excluded. Outcomes were blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, cholesterol, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia indices. Objectively measured MVPA displayed stronger independent associations with the biomarkers than did self-reported MVPA, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors (adjusted Wald F values=3.9-85.6, P<0.05-0.0001). Self-reported and objectively measured MVPA were independently associated with skinfold measures, HDL, and C-reactive protein when both were included in the model. Objectively measured MVPA displayed stronger associations with physiological and anthropometric biomarkers than self-reported MVPA. However, self-reported and objectively measured MVPA appear to capture distinct aspects of PA that are independently associated with certain biomarkers. Further understanding of the distinct contributions of self-reported and objectively measured PA to health outcomes could help to better identify optimal activity level and pattern.