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. Read a commentary on the need for calibration of self-report measures in the ACSM Bulletin (Active Voice: Why Self-Report Measures Need Calibration). Summaries of specific calibration projects are summarized below but refer to the separate pages for each project for more details. A listing of related research on improving self-report measures is provided at the bottom.
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.
Youth Physical Activity Monitoring Study (YPAMS)
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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. |
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Related Research on Self-Report Measures
- Shook, R. P., Gribben, N. C., Hand, G. A., Paluch, A. E., Welk, G. J., Jakicic, J. M. & Blair, S. N. (2016). Subjective Estimation of Physical Activity Using the IPAQ Varies by Fitness Level. Journal of Physical Activity & Health. 13(1), 79-86.
- Troiano RP, Pettee Gabriel KK, Welk GJ, Owen N, Sternfeld B. (2012). Reported physical activity and sedentary behavior: why do you ask? Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 9 (Suppl 1):S68-75.
- Tucker, J. M., Welk, G., Nusser, S. M., Beyler, N. K., & Dzewaltowski, D. (2011). Estimating minutes of physical activity from the previous day physical activity recall: validation of a prediction equation. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 8, 71-78
- Martínez-Gómez D, Wärnberg J, Welk GJ, Sjöström M, Veiga OL, Marcos A. (2010).Validity of the Bouchard activity diary in Spanish adolescents. Public Health Nutrition. 2010 Feb;13(2):261-8. PMID: 19758479
- Calabro MA, Welk GJ, Beyler N, Carriquiry AL, Nusser SM, Matthews CE. (2009). Validation of a computerized 24 hour physical activity recall (24hPAR) instrument with pattern recognition activity monitors. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 6(2):211-20. PMID: 19420399
- Welk, G.J. (2008). The role of physical activity assessments for school-based physical activity promotion. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. 12: 184-206.
- Welk, G.J., Wickel, E., Petersen, M., Heitzler, C.D., Fulton, J.E., Poitter, L. (2007). Validity and Reliability of the Youth Media Campaign Longitudinal Survey. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39(4), 612-621. PMID: 17414798