Effect of Item Order on Physical Activity Estimates Using the IPAQ

Jodi Barnett,Jay Maddock,Christine Maglione,Claudio Nigg,Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v5i1.1799

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of item order on physical activity (PA) estimates using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short form (last 7 day) telephone interview (IPAQ-S7T). Method: The IPAQ-S7T was conducted for Time 1 (Hawai`i) and sample 1 (Belgium). Then item order was reversed for Times 2, 3 (Hawai`i), and sample 2 (Belgium). Results: In Hawai`i, vigorous activity levels were higher, walking levels lower for Time 1, compared to Times 2 and 3. Moderate activity was higher at Time 1 than Time 3. The Belgium study reported higher levels of vigorous activity for sample 1, compared to sample 2. Total volume of PA across time points was unchanged for the Hawai`i study, but decreased with reversed items in the Belgium study. Conclusion: Item ordering affects the levels and duration of reported PA using the IPAQ-S7T. This warrants further research on order efficacy and whether other PA measures are affected.

Highlights

Physical inactivity is a global health problem that causes more than two million deaths each year making it one of the top 10 leading causes of death and disability (WHO, 2007)
Discussion of Results Our results indicate that item order of the IPAQS7T significantly affects the duration of vigorous physical activity (PA) reported
This corresponds with lower levels of moderate PA reported during the first administration compared with Time 3 and lower levels of walking compared with Times 2 and 3 in the Hawaii study

Summary

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a global health problem that causes more than two million deaths each year making it one of the top 10 leading causes of death and disability (WHO, 2007). IPAQ creators recommended switching the order of items, asking walking first, followed by moderate, and vigorous activity. Other studies have reported high vigorous activity levels in other countries using the IPAQ-S7T (Rutten et al, 2003; Rzewnicki, Auweele, & De Bourdeaudhuji, 2002).

Results

Conclusion