J Nutr Health.  2023 Feb;56(1):35-53. 10.4163/jnh.2023.56.1.35.

Validation of the physical activity classification table for Korean youth and assessment of total energy expenditure, estimated energy requirement and physical activity in Korean children and adolescents

• Gwak JY
• Kim MH
• Park J
• Ishikawa-Takata K
• Kim EK

• KMID: 2540105
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2023.56.1.35

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of the first part of this study was to evaluate the validity of the physical activity classification table for youth (Youth-PACT). The second part of this study was aimed at comparing the estimated energy requirement (EER) with the total energy expenditure (TEE) and evaluating the physical activity patterns of Korean children and adolescents.
Methods
The subjects of the first part of the study were 17 children aged 10 to 12 years, and their total energy expenditure (TEE DLW ) was measured using the double labeled water (DLW) method. A total of 166 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years participated in the second part of this study. Their resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry and the TEE Youth-PACT and physical activity level were calculated by applying the Youth-PACT to the physical activity diary prepared by the subjects.
Results
In the first part of this study, there were no significant differences between the TEE DLW and the TEE Youth-PACT. The TEE Youth-PACT accurately predicted TEE DLW in 37.5% of the subjects. In the second part of the study, the rates at which EER accurately predicted TEE Youth-PACT and overestimated TEE Youth-PACT were 29.6% and 47.3%, respectively. The time spent based on intensity of physical activity and the physical activity categories which were obtained using Youth-PACT showed different patterns according to sex and age group. Age showed significant positive correlations with REE, TEE, and the time spent in sedentary behavior, but age was significantly negatively correlated with REE/body weight, TEE/body weight, and the time spent in low-intensity and high-intensity activities.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that the Youth-PACT can be used to evaluate the TEE and PAL of children and adolescents. However, further studies are needed to validate the TEE Youth-PACT and to set the EER for children and adolescents.

Keyword

children; adolescents; physical activity; energy expenditure; resting energy expenditure