<p><p>Objective:</p><p>This study aimed to investigate the correlation between physical activity level (PAL), measured with activity diary and accelerometer, among overweight and obese children and adolescents. The aim was also to study differences in PAL between girls and boys.</p><p>Design:</p><p>55 children and adolescents, whom been subjected to a physical activity registration with a physical activity diary and accelerometer during three or four days, were included in this study. From the data received from the children’s journal records PAL was calculated and compiled for statistic analysis.</p><p>Results:</p><p>The results of the study showed that the children underestimated their physical activity level when measured with activity diary, in comparison with the physical activity level measured with accelerometer. Differences between girl and boys PAL values were not statistically significant, although the girls PAL values from the accelerometer, but not from the activity diary, reached a moderate activity level according to Nordic nutrition recommendation. No correlation between the activity diary and accelerometer was found.</p><p>Conclusions:</p><p>The Activity diary can not be used as solitary instrument to mesure physical activity in obese or overweight children.</p><p>There is no validated way to measure physical activity in overweight or obese children.</p><p>Before studies can be conducted with reliable results, physical activity level scales and calculated BMR must be designed for overweight and obese children.</p></p>

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between physical activity level (PAL), measured with activity diary and accelerometer, among overweight and obese children and adolescents. The aim was also to study differences in PAL between girls and boys. Design: 55 children and adolescents, whom been subjected to a physical activity registration with a physical activity diary and accelerometer during three or four days, were included in this study. From the data received from the children’s journal records PAL was calculated and compiled for statistic analysis. Results: The results of the study showed that the children underestimated their physical activity level when measured with activity diary, in comparison with the physical activity level measured with accelerometer. Differences between girl and boys PAL values were not statistically significant, although the girls PAL values from the accelerometer, but not from the activity diary, reached a moderate activity level according to Nordic nutrition recommendation. No correlation between the activity diary and accelerometer was found. Conclusions: The Activity diary can not be used as solitary instrument to mesure physical activity in obese or overweight children. There is no validated way to measure physical activity in overweight or obese children. Before studies can be conducted with reliable results, physical activity level scales and calculated BMR must be designed for overweight and obese children.