Accuracy of Parent-Reported Energy Intake and Physical Activity Levels in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Background: In a clinical setting, collecting information on dietary intake and physical activity is an essential component of nutrition assessment. Parent-or self-reported measures may be an acceptable method to ascertain important information on dietary habits and physical activity levels (PALs). This article aims to investigate whether parents can accurately report physical activity and dietary energy intake (EI) in ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Four-day parent-reported physical activity diaries were used for estimated PALs. Estimated EI was measured (by parents) concurrently using a 3-day food and drink diary. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using doubly labeled water over 10 days. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry. Measured PALs were derived from TEE/REE. Results: Dietary intake and energy expenditure assessments were completed for 14 boys with a mean age of 8.44 +/- 1.90 years. No statistical difference was detected between mean parental estimated EI (1645 kcal/d) and TEE (1785 kcal/d). PALs were measured and estimated in 6 of the boys. Again, there was no statistically significant difference between measured (1.37) and parental estimated (1.45) PALs. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that the bias between the measurement instruments was consistent across a range of EI and PAL values. Conclusions: Parent-reported dietary intake and physical activity diaries could provide a simple and cost-effective assessment of EI and habitual physical activity in groups of boys with DMD.