Correlates of subjectively and objectively measured physical activity in young adolescents

BackgroundMany studies examining individual-level correlates in youth utilize self-report rather than objective measures of physical activity (PA). This utilization of self-report may result in associations that are not present when examining objectively measured PA. The present study investigates the relationship between hypothesized correlates of PA with objectively and subjectively measured PA.MethodsParticipating children (n = 232, 101 males, mean age = 12.3 years) provided a minimum of four monitored days of PA (via accelerometer) and completed a survey assessing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sport competence, appearance, enjoyment, and self-efficacy. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.ResultsHierarchical regression models controlling for sex, race, and BMI Z-score showed that only sex and BMI Z-score were significant correlates of objective MVPA while only sex was a significant correlate of objective total PA. However, in a separate model examining the relationship with subjective MVPA, enjoyment of PA and self-efficacy for PA were the only significant correlates of self-reported PA.ConclusionMeasuring MVPA via self-report versus accelerometry produces considerably different results in a sample of young adolescents. Future studies should use caution when selecting outcome measures if the intent is to identify modifiable correlates of MVPA in youth.