Advances and controversies in diet and physical activity measurement in youth

Authors: SPRUIJT-METZ, DONNA - University Of Southern California; WEN, CHENG - University Of Southern California; BELL, BROOKE - University Of Southern California; INTILLE, STEPHEN - Northeastern University; HUANG, JEANNIE - University Of California; BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2018
Publication Date: 8/19/2018
Citation: Spruijt-Metz, D., Wen, C.L., Bell, B.M., Intille, S., Huang, J.S., Baranowski, T. 2018. Advances and controversies in diet and physical activity measurement in youth. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.06.012.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.06.012

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Technological advancements in the past decades have improved dietary intake and physical activity measurements. This report reviews current developments in dietary intake and physical activity assessment in youth. Dietary intake assessment has relied predominantly on self-report or image-based methods to measure key aspects of dietary intake (e.g., food types, portion size, eating occasion), which are prone to notable methodologic (e.g., recall bias) and logistic (e.g., participant and researcher burden) challenges. Although there have been improvements in automatic eating detection, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based technologies, participant input is often needed to verify food categories and portions. Current physical activity assessment methods, including self-report, direct observation, and wearable devices, provide researchers with reliable estimations for energy expenditure and bodily movement. Recent developments in algorithms that incorporate signals from multiple sensors and technology-augmented self-reporting methods have shown preliminary efficacy in measuring specific types of activity patterns and relevant contextual information. However, challenges in detecting resistance (e.g., in resistance training, weight lifting), prolonged physical activity monitoring, and algorithm (non)equivalence remain to be addressed. In summary, although dietary intake assessment methods have yet to achieve the same validity and reliability as physical activity measurement, recent developments in wearable technologies in both arenas have the potential to improve current assessment methods. This article is part of a theme issue entitled Innovative Tools for Assessing Diet and Physical Activity for Health Promotion, which is sponsored by the North American branch of the International Life Sciences Institute.