Estimation de l'aptitude physique par questionnaire

Abstract

Objectives Many questionnaires estimate physical activity levels or its corresponding energy expenditure levels while only a few ones estimate fitness levels. This paper presents a review of these questionnaires, available both in English and in French. Topics Physical activity (PA) is defined as any body motion resulting from skeletal muscle contraction and energy expenditure. Physical fitness (PF) is defined as a set of attributes (cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance and power, strength, etc.) necessary to perform physical activity to a set level of performance. Assessing PA and PF with heart rate monitors, accelerometers, etc., is not very practical for epidemiological studies. Questionnaires appear to be the most common and useful methods. Results of PA questionnaire are expressed in activity indices or energy expenditure. PF questionnaires are also based on physical activity assessment to predict VO 2max but the type and number of questions differ from PA questionnaires. Conclusion English questionnaires are more numerous than french ones. Whether written in English or French, most questionnaires assess PA while only a few ones, predict PF.