Predicting Objective Physical Activity from Self-Report Surveys: Limitations Based on a Model Validation Study Using Estimated Generalized Least Squares Regression

This working paper used measurements of accelerometer-based and self-reported physical activity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006 to develop and validate a set of models for predicting objective moderate to vigorous physical activity from self-report variables and other demographic characteristics. The prediction intervals produced by the models were extremely large, suggesting that the ability to predict objective physical activity from self-reports is limited.