Validity Evidence for a Daily, Online-delivered, Adapted Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is a globally-used self-report measure of physical activity (PA). Validity evidence exists; none has evaluated the IPAQ-SF with reduced recall time. This study evaluates absolute and relative agreement for PA at all intensities, and relative to recommended guideline classification through: (1) a daily, online-delivered adapted IPAQ-SF and (2) accelerometer (a) with a 10-minute bout minimum (TMBM) and (b) without (NBM). Fifty-five participants (mean 28.3 years, 61.8% females) wore an accelerometer and completed the IPAQ-SF for 7 consecutive days. IPAQ-SF and NBM correlations were acceptable (total PA 0.45, moderate-to-vigorous PA 0.38). IPAQ-SF underestimated NBM values. IPAQ-SF sensitivity compared to NBM guideline classification was 70%; specificity was 100%. Correlations with TMBM were weaker for all intensities. IPAQ-SF overestimated TMBM values. IPAQ-SF sensitivity compared to TMBM guideline classification was 77%; specificity was 55%. The adapted IPAQ-SF showed acceptable validity evidence for relative PA measurement.