Comparison between pedometer and questionnaire determinations of 24-hour physical activity in healthy adults

A simple questionnaire (self-reported physical activity scale, SRPAS) was recently developed to document the level of physical activity (MET-hrs) undertaken by adults during an average weekday. The current study examined the relationship between the SRPAS and pedometer determinations of 24-hour physical activity in healthy, active adults. Additionally, the 24-hour physical activity characteristics of adults involved in different health-orientated degree programmes (physical education vs sport and exercise science) were examined. Sixty-three healthy university students undertaking health-orientated degrees (age 20.5, range 18-35 yrs) wore a pedometer (Yamax Digi-Walker SW-700) during an average weekday followed by completion of the SRPAS. Relationships between SRPAS and pedometer (steps taken, distance travelled and energy expenditure) measures were examined by Spearman's rank-order correlations. Significant (p