Self-Reported Physical Activity and Measured Energy Expenditure Using Accelerometers: Results of a SAGE Sub-Study in India

Melissa A. Liebert, University of Oregon
Tara J. Cepon, University of Oregon
Felicia Madimenos, University of Oregon
Arvind Mathur, Dr SN Medical College, India
Sharon R. Williams, Purdue University
Nirmala Naidoo, World Health Organization (WHO)
James J. Snodgrass, University of Oregon

Once considered a disease of affluence and confined to industrialized nations, obesity is emerging as a global health concern in large part because of lifestyle and nutritional changes associated with economic development. Although changes in activity and diet appear to be key contributing factors, it is difficult to empirically link macro-level changes to individual behaviors. A major impediment has been the methodological challenge of accurately quantifying energy expenditure in populations. Accelerometry provides a relatively new tool for accurately assessing energy expenditure, yet important questions remain about its use with older adults and differences compared to self-report data. The present study was conducted among 200 older adults in urban India and combines seven days of accelerometry with a sociodemographic/lifestyle questionnaire in order to: 1) examine age and sex differences in activity; 2) examine links between activity and measures of health and fitness; and 3) compare self-report data with measured activity.