Energy expenditure measured with accelerometers and self-report questionnaire in people with intellectual disabilities

Background: There are different instruments to measure energy expenditure in general population, but we do not know whether these instruments can be used in people with intellectual disability. Methods: A sample of 33 participants was invited to wear a triaxial accelerometer during seven consecutive days. Energy expenditure was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-S) to gather data regarding the participant's descriptions of the physical activity performed. Results: Agreement between the accelerometers and IPAQ-S in terms of energy expenditure measurements was not reached (P > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between moderate metabolic equivalent of tasks measured with accelerometers and vigorous metabolic equivalent of tasks measured with the IPAQ-S (r = −0.351 [P = 0.045]). Conclusion: The main conclusion of this study was a level of discrepancy between measurements taken using the IPAQ-S and the accelerometers in people with intellectual disability.