A Mail Survey of Physical Activity Habits as Related to Measured Physical Fitness

Abstract

The associations of self-reported measures of physical activity from a mail survey with an objective measure of physical fitness were investigated. Respondents to a health status survey (n = 12,225), conducted in 1982 by the Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, TX, formed the population. From this group, males who also had a clinical examination within 60 days of the return of their questionnaire served as subjects. The study subjects (n = 375, mean age = 47.1 years) completed a maximal physical fitness assessment using a modified Balke protocol. The questionnaire included a section of inquiries concerning leisure time physical activity participation in which subjects were asked to quantitatively recall exercise participation for varying periods of time. Reported exercise participation values were converted to estimates of energy expenditure and combined into overall indices of physical activity participation. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the individual contributions of the physical activity indices in predicting maximal treadmill performance (physical fitness). Significant predictors of physical fitness were age (beta = -0.34), an index of running, walking, and jogging participation (beta = 0.31), and the response to a question on frequency of sweating (beta = 0.35). The multiple correlation coefficient for these variables in predicting physical fitness was 0.65. These results indicate that exercise behavior can be accurately estimated in large populations by using simple questions in a mail survey.

Determinants of sleep quality in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…These scores are estimates of weekly energy expenditure expressed as MET-hours per week. The intensity of each reported activity is converted to a MET value by using various compendia of physical activity (15)(16)(17). The ACLS-PAQ has been well validated and correlates well with objective measures of physical fitness (17)(18)(19).…”

Self-Objectification Among Physically Active Women

“…The Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire (ACLS, Kohl, Blair, Paffenbarger, Macera, & Kronenfeld, 1988) was used as a measure of physical activity. Participants report regular participation in 14 different activities over the last 3 months, along with the frequency, intensity, and duration of those activities.…”

Sustained increase in dietary oleic acid oxidation following morning exercise

“…Subjects were also required to pass a physical exam and fill out a physical activity readiness form prior to participation. 10 The Human Subject Committee of the University of WIFMadison approved the protocol and subjects gave informed written consent. The overnight stays of the protocol took place at the GCRC.…”

“…Interestingly, the increase in dietary fat oxidation following exercise appears to be fatty acid type dependent. The monounsaturated fatty acid, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] C]oleate, showed increased oxidation when ingested shortly after an exercise bout compared to rest, while oxidation of the saturated fatty acid, [d 31 ]palmitate did not. 5,6 In contrast, Gill et al 7 did observe an increase in palmitate oxidation when it was administered in a breakfast meal following a large volume of exercise performed the previous day.…”