Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly

Abstract

There is a paucity of knowledge about valid and reliable physical activity questionnaires for Taiwanese older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in Taiwan (PASE-C). Two hundred and sixty-three community-dwelling older adults aged 65 or older (mean age 73±6; male/female: 97/166) were recruited from Kaohsiung City. The test-retest reliability over a one-week period was estimated by Pearson's correlation and Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation by PASE scores (i.e., overall, leisure, household and work-related physical activity), accelerometer measures (energy expenditure and walking steps), hand grip strength and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The same procedure was conducted stratified by gender. The results showed that Pearson's correlation coefficient and the ICC for the overall PASE-C scores on two different sessions were exceeded the recommended level. The second-wave PASE-C score was significantly associated with accelerometer measures. The concurrent validity was supported by the positive association between overall PASE-C scores and hand grip strength, and by the negative associations by overall PASE-C scores and GDS. Additionally, reliability and validity of three types of physical activities were also examined and supported. The adequate results were found in men and women separately. Based on the preceding analysis, the PASE-C demonstrated preliminary evidence for reliability and validity and is suitable for assessing the lifestyle physical activity among Taiwanese older population.