Association of accelerometry-based and self-reported physical activity with cardiovascular risk in South African children

Abstract

The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, with risk factors emerging early in life. Physical activity reduces cardiovascular  risk, but limited evidence exists for children from lower-income countries and mostly relies on self-reported methods that might be  inaccurate and biased. We aimed to compare self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity in relation to cardiovascular risk  markers in children from underserved communities in South Africa. We analysed cross-sectional data from 594 children aged 8 to 13.  Physical activity was measured via accelerometry and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Correlation  analyses and linear regression models examined the relationship between accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity  and their association with cardiovascular risk markers (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin).  Results show a positive but weak correlation between PAQ-C scores and accelerometermeasured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity  (MVPA). MVPA was inversely associated with body mass index, whilst sedentary behaviour correlated positively with lipid levels. PAQ-C  scores were inversely associated with systolic blood pressure. The comparison of self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical  activity in children from Gqeberha, South Africa, revealed inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk  markers. Accelerometry provided a more accurate cardiovascular risk estimation than PAQ-C, although associations were weak. Further,  longitudinal studies should investigate the predictive power of both methodologies. These findings inform researchers and public health  practitioners in the choice of method for physical activity appraisal beyond practical considerations, especially when combined with  cardiovascular risk and in lower-income settings.

Significance: We explore two widely used methods to assess physical activity levels in  children. By comparing both methods, we expose inconsistencies in their correlation and association with cardiovascular risk markers. These data can guide researchers and public health practitioners in the use of one method beyond practical considerations. Whilst this  work focuses on children from marginalised areas of South Africa, the issues explored are of relevance to other lower-income settings.