Comparison between objectively measured and self-reported physical activity level in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

As a factor influencing physical efficiency and health, physical activity level (PAL) quantification can aid clinical evaluation in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Self-reported PAL questionnaires are commonly used, but their accuracy in these patients is unexplored. Ten adults with FSHD were monitored for 7 days using an accelerometer (Fibion Inc., Finland)1 and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)2 for the same period. Weekly minutes for sitting, walking, moderate (MOD) PA, vigorous (VIG) PA, and total PA (walking + MOD + VIG) were compared and correlated between Fibion and IPAQ for the same domains. Sitting time did not differ (p>0.05). IPAQ underestimated walking and total PA (p0.05). Except for sitting and VIG, self-reported PAL diverges from accelerometer data, supporting objective monitoring in FSHD.