Comparing Objective and Subjective Physical Activity Assessments in Obese Patients

The goal of this observational study is to analyze the validity of self-reported physical activities in obese patients with psychosomatic disorders in a clinical setting. The main question aims to answer:

- How valid are self-reported physical activity data (via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ-SF) compared to actigraphy-based objective measurements (using the SenseWear® armband, SWA)?

Between 2020 and 2022, 23 patients with obesity (21 anorexia nervosa, 2 bulimia nervosa) were recruited from an Austrian psychosomatic clinic. Receiving routine care, participants were additionally asked to

* wear the SWA for seven days in the clinic
* complete the IPAQ-SF for the same reference period on the first weekday after SWA wearing time

The study then statistically compared total physical activity, measured in so called metabolic equivalents (MET minutes per week), and sitting time (minutes per day) between the two methods to determine the accuracy of the self-reported data.

This methodological study presents the effort of a collaboration between the Department of Sport and Exercise Science (Paris Lodron University, Salzburg), the Psychosomatic Clinic Eggenburg (Eggenburg, Lower Austria, Austria), and the Paracelsus Medical University (Salzburg, Austria). The empirical work was done by a Master Student as part of a scientific qualification work (M.A. Sports Physiotherapy MSc) and supervised by a member of the research team.

Rationale of the Study:

Accurate measurement of physical activity is essential for addressing obesity, treating eating disorders, and combating the broader obesity epidemic. However, effective treatment requires accurate activity assessments. Traditional self-reported questionnaires often fail to provide this accuracy, particularly in populations where physical or psychological factors impair recall accuracy.

For patients treated for obesity and psychosomatic eating disorders, recall impairments are likely further exacerbated by distorted perceptions of normal physical activity, as well as stress, shame, stigmatization, and guilt.

Moreover, we expect the extent of inaccuracy in self-reported activity duration, frequency or intensity to depend on the actual magnitude of activity.

No previous study has focused on this population or used concurrent validity analysis to compare subjective vs objective measures of physical activity while addressing potential proportional bias adequately.

Hence, valid measurement of physical activity is crucial for treating obesity, eating disorders, and combating the obesity epidemic.

In this methodological study, the investigators assess the concurrent validity of self-reported questionnaires and actigraph-based objective measurements of physical activity in patients with obesity and psychosomatic eating disorders in a clinical setting. As a secondary aim, this research will evaluate potential moderator effects of obesity level and sex. Given its role as an objective measure, the sensor-based actigraph was used as a criterion to validate the IPAQ. The investigators hypothesize that subjective self-reports from the IPAQ will overestimate total physical activity, but underestimate sitting time compared to objective actigraph data.

Applied methods:

A concurrent validity study was conducted at the Psychosomatic Clinic in Eggenburg (Austria) from May 2020 to March 2022. In total, 23 obese patients (17 female, 6 male; 42 ± 14 years; BMI 41 ± 6 kg·m-2, 21 diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (ICD-10: F50.9), 2 with bulimia nervosa (ICD-10: F50.2), were recruited from an Austrian psychosomatic clinic. Patients admitted during the study period were eligible if they were ≥ 18 years old, had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, could read and speak German, had a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ICD-10: F50.9 unspecified eating disorder, F50.2 bulimia nervosa), had a clinical stay of at least 4 weeks, and wore the SWA for at least 18 h·d-1, (41) including at least 4 days with one weekend day.

Patients self-administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) while wearing the SenseWear® armband (SWA) for 7 days during the 3rd to 4th week of their clinical stay. Outcome measures included total physical activity, assessed using metabolic equivalents (MET min·w-1) and sitting time (min·d-1).

Concurrent validity - SWA as a criterion - was assessed using regression analyses, and proportional bias was examined through regression and equality line similarity analyses.

Expected benefits:

Valid information about physical activity is key for treating adults with obesity and psychosomatic disorders. The study will add further evidence to the of validity of self-reported physical activity. For the first time, concurrent validity of the specific population of obese patients is studied. The study results will help to better and more precise measure and estimate physical activity in obese patients. This will be crucial to informing intervention and treatment programs in practice as well as shed further light on how to measure the patient reported activity level in the most accurate and valid way.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years old
* body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30
* could read and speak German
* had a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ICD-10: F50.9 unspecified eating disorder, F50.2 bulimia nervosa)
* had a clinical stay of at least 4 weeks
* wore the SWA for at least 18 h·d-1, (41) including at least 4 days with one weekend day

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to walk independently
* a nickel allergy
* valid wearing time of accelerometer