Calibration of Self-Report Measures of Physical Activity

An area of emphasis in research by Dr. Welk is on the calibration of self-report measures physical activity. Emphasis in the field has been on refining the accuracy and utility of monitor-based methods for estimating energy expenditure (EE) and time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behavior (SB). The objectivity of monitor-based measures is a considerable advantage, but report-based tools are more practical and provide valuable information about the context of physical activity behavior. Our lab has been actively working to quantify and address error in a variety of PA assessment tools but specific efforts have been made to improve the accuracy and utility of report-based measures. See the full commentary on the need for calibration of self-report measures in the ACSM Bulletin (Active Voice: Why Self-Report Measures Need Calibration). Specific applications of associated calibration research are provided below.

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Physical Activity Measurement Study (PAMS)

This work focuses on evaluating measurement error in self-report measures of physical activity. The team is completing evaluation of data collected as part of a 4 year NIH grant (R01). Click here for details.

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Youth Physical Activity Monitoring Study (YPAMS)

This work focuses on developing and calibrating a self-report measure of physical activity to facilitate school based assessments of physical activity. This work was advanced through a Ph.D. project by Pedro Saint-Maurice (now a post-doc on our team). We have developed calibration models and an online application has been developed for continued evaluation and future dissemination.

Click here for details about the Youth Activity Profile.