Comparison of energy expenditure estimates from doubly labeled water, a physical activity questionnaire, and physical activity records

Abstract

Background: Various methods are used by epidemiologists to estimate the energy cost of physical activity; these include physical activity records and recalls. However, there is limited validation of these methods against the doubly labeled water technique for determining energy expenditure (EE). Objective: We compared EE as estimated by indirect methods (physical activity records and recall questionnaires) used in epidemiologic studies with EE obtained from doubly labeled water (EE DLW ) in free-living men. Design: We determined EE DLW , energy intake at weight maintenance, and EE from 7-d physical activity records (EE Record ) and a 7-d physical activity recall questionnaire (EE Recall ) in 24 men aged 41 ± 2.0 y (x -± SEM) with a body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) of 25.1 ± 0.5. Results: There was excellent agreement between EE DLW (13.27 ± 0.35 MJ/d) and energy intake (13.19 ± 0.36 MJ/d), with a difference of 0.5 ± 1.0% (x -± SE). The indirect measures of physical activity and EE were 14.17 ± 0.37 MJ/d for EE Record (difference from EE DLW : 7.9 ± 3.2%) and 17.40 ± 1.45 MJ/d for EE Recall (difference from EE DLW : 30.6 ± 9.9%). Conclusions: Seven-day physical activity records provide an acceptable estimate of EE in free-living adults compared with EE DLW , but 7-d physical activity recalls have limited application to estimate daily EE. For optimal validity, the 7-d physical activity records require good subject compliance and the provision of careful instructions for their use.Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:519-25. KEY WORDSExercise, energy intake, Stanford 7-d physical activity questionnaire, physical activity records, physical activity recall, doubly labeled water, basal metabolic rate, men

Significant changes in physical activity among pregnant women in the UK as assessed by accelerometry and self-reported activity

“…Activity diaries in the general population have been shown to overestimate physical activity (Conway et al, 2002). In pregnant women, activity diaries were shown to overestimate physical activity by around 400 kcal/day, whereas accelerometry underestimated activity by a similar amount compared with heart rate telemetry (Stein et al, 2003).…”

“…The difficulties involved in taking such measurements are well established (Avons et al, 1988). Conventional techniques used within the general population include pedometry, accelerometry, heart rate monitoring and activity records obtained through diaries or recall (Westerkerp, 1999;Conway et al, 2002). Although doubly labelled water is now the gold standard for the assessment of energy expenditure, the costs associated with this method restrict its use in population studies (Goldberg et al, 1993).…”

Validation of a simplified physical activity record by doubly labeled water technique

“…More detailed questionnaires intend to assess duration, frequency, and intensity of activites accurately, but because of their complexity, they may also result in a lower compliance and lower validity. [5][6][7][8] Less detailed questionnaires are easy to use, but are often less accurate and do not assess different dimensions of physical activity such as duration, frequency, and intensity. 3,9 As a result, different approaches have been developed to assess either habitual or actual physical activity.…”

“…5 Such a record requires a high compliance and encouragement of the test persons to list all activity changes. Moreover, test persons may alter their usual activity habits when the recall is carried out for a longer time period.…”

Greater than predicted decrease in resting energy expenditure with age: cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence

“…In fact, our analyses revealed that the age-related deviations in REE were independent from both the overall level of activity as well as the number of periods of vigorous physical activity. However, it is important to indicate that although a physical activity diary has limitations including the ability of subjects to adequately perceive exercise intensity (Conway et al, 2002), these findings likely have public health relevance. Indeed, they suggest that maintaining physical activity levels comparable to those of younger individuals may be insufficient to prevent an age-related increase in adiposity.…”