Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Activity Related to Biomarkers Using NHANES

ATIENZA, A. A., R. P. MOSER, F. PERNA, K. DODD, R. BALLARD-BARBASH, R. P. TROIANO, and D. BERRIGAN. Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Activity Related to Biomarkers Using NHANES. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 815-821, 2011. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the independent associations of self-reported and objectively measured (using accelerometers) moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physiological and anthropometric biomarkers in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 data were analyzed. Adults 20 yr and older (N = 5797) with self-reported PA and 4 d or more of accelerometer data were included in the analyses. Pregnant or lactating women were excluded. Outcomes were blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, cholesterol, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia indices. Results: Objectively measured MVPA displayed stronger independent associations with the biomarkers than did self-reported MVPA, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors (adjusted Wald F values = 3.9-85.6, P < 0.05-0.0001). Self-reported and objectively measured MVPA were independently associated with skinfold measures, HDL, and C-reactive protein when both were included in the model. Conclusions: Objectively measured MVPA displayed stronger associations with physiological and anthropometric biomarkers than self-reported MVPA. However, self-reported and objectively measured MVPA appear to capture distinct aspects of PA that are independently associated with certain biomarkers. Further understanding of the distinct contributions of self-reported and objectively measured PA to health outcomes could help to better identify optimal activity level and pattern.