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DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837619
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Validity of a Physical Activity Computer Questionnaire in 12- to 18-year-old Boys and Girls
Publication History
Accepted after revision: January 30, 2005
Publication Date:
02 June 2005 (online)
Abstract
The reliability and validity of a physical activity computer questionnaire of a usual week were studied in 33 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Kappa values were calculated to verify test-retest reliability. Validity was investigated by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the Computer Science and Applications uniaxial accelerometer (CSA). Accelerometer data were obtained during seven successive days (sum and mean counts, estimated MET). Intraclass coefficients generally exceeded 0.70 and all Kappa values but one varied between 0.44 and 1.00. Transport variables (active transport from and to school, and during leisure time) showed no relationship with CSA. Sport participation during leisure time, sport participation summed with total transport, and the frequencies of moderate and hard activity were significantly correlated with CSA (r between 0.48 and 0.78). These data indicate that the physical activity computer variables provide reliable information. Moreover, sport participation (and summed with total transport) and the frequencies of moderate and hard activity provide valid data about adolescents' usual week physical activity, based on CSA comparison.
Key words
Reproducibility of results - questionnaires - activity of daily living - epidemiologic methods - computers
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R. Philippaerts
Ghent University, Department of Movement and Sports Sciences
Watersportlaan 2
9000 Gent
Belgium
Phone: + 3292646328
Fax: + 32 92 64 64 84
Email: renaat.philippaerts@UGent.be