Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

Differential Physical and Mental Benefits of Physiotherapy Program Among Patients With Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls Suggesting Different Physical Characteristics and Needs.

In contrast to several other severe illnesses marked by inflammation and autoimmunity that now have potent and efficient treatments and even cures, schizophrenia (SCZ) is a disease still associated with poor outcome, incapacity, and social burden. Even after decades of research on the brain and behavior, this illness is still associated with profound effects on both mental health and physical health, with recent studies showing that treatment is more efficient when associating drugs with psychological and physical treatments. Most of the studies measured the effects of physical intervention compared with usual care and demonstrated a positive effect as an add-on treatment. What remains unclear is the different effects of the same intervention in normal subjects in a sample of patients with the illness. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical intervention over motor functional capacity and mental health in patients with SCZ compared with healthy controls (HC). The outcomes were (a) functional capacity [by 6-min walk test (6MWT)], (b) body flexibility index (Wells' bench), (c) disease severity [by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)], (d) quality of life [by 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire], and (e) physical activity [Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ)]. The intervention was associated with significant decrease of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, disease severity, and improvement in daily life activities. Unexpectedly, it was observed that schizophrenics, compared with matched HC, were at a lower level of performance in the beginning, remained below HC over the studied time despite similar physical intervention, and had different changes. The intervention had lower effects over physical capacity and better effects over quality of life and disease severity. The results confirm previous studies comparing patients receiving physical intervention but suggest that they may receive different types of intervention, suited for their different baseline fitness, motivation, and capacity to engage in physical effort over sustained time. Additionally, they point to extended time of intervention of multidisciplinary treatment (physical and psychological–cognitive techniques) to improve outcomes in SCZ.

The efficacy of a lay health workers – led physical activity counselling program in patients with HIV and mental health problems: a real-world intervention from Uganda

ABSTRACT This study explored the efficacy of a lay health worker (LHW)-led physical activity (PA) counselling program for inactive patients with HIV/AIDS and mental health problems living in a Ugandan farming community. In total 49 (35 women) community patients (40.0 ± 11.2 years) followed an 8-week once weekly LHW-led PA counselling program based on a self-determination theory and motivational interviewing framework. Participants completed the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, HIV/AIDS Stress Scale and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHODAS 2) pre- and immediately post-intervention. Small, significant (P < 0.05) effect sizes were found for reductions in HIV/AIDS-related stress (Cohen’s d = 0.26) and in global disability (Cohen’s d = 0.46). Large effect sizes were observed for reductions in time spent sedentary (Cohen’s d = 1.97) and reductions in depressive (Cohen’s d = 2.04) and anxiety (Cohen’s d = 1.47) symptoms and increases in time spent active (Cohen’s d = 1.98). Greater decrease in sedentary time was associated with greater anxiety symptoms reduction (r = 0.32, P = 0.021). In physically inactive patients with HIV/AIDS and mental health problems, an LHW-led PA counselling program reduced stress, anxiety, depression and disability. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary positive findings.

Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and correlates of the two-minute walk test in outpatients with alcohol use disorder.

We investigated the test-retest reliability of the 2-min walk test (2MWT) and its concurrent validity with the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in Ugandan outpatients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We also explored practice effects, and assessed the minimal detectable change (MDC) and correlations with the 2MWT. Fifty outpatients [7 women; median age=32.0 years] performed the 2MWT twice, the 6MWT once, and completed the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Brief Symptoms Inventory-18 (BSI-18), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The median (interquartile) 2MWT score on the first and second test were 162.0 (49.0) meters and 161.0 (58.0) meters, respectively, without significant difference between the two trials (p=0.20). The intraclass correlation between the two 2MWTs was 0.96 (95% confidence interval=0.94-0.98). The Spearman Rho correlation between the second 2MWT and the 6MWT was 0.91 (p<0.001). The MDC for the 2MWT was 18m. There was no evidence of a practice effect. Variance in BSI-18 depression and the presence of leg pain following the 2MWT explained 18.7% of 2MWT score variance. The 2MWT is a reliable and valid fitness test, which can be conducted without any special equipment or substantial time demands in outpatients with AUD.

Test-retest reliability and correlates of the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire in Ugandan out-patients with psychosis.

In order to facilitate people with psychosis to increase their physical activity (PA) levels, a reliable measurement of these levels is of relevance. The primary aim of current study was to explore the test-retest of the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) in Ugandan outpatients with psychosis. A second aim was to explore correlates of the SIMPAQ, including demographic variables and antipsychotic medication dose. Thirty-four women (33.9±8.0 years) and 21 men completed the SIMPAQ twice in a day. The test-retest reliability was assessed using Spearman Rho correlations coefficients. Differences in subgroups were analysed with Mann Whitney U tests. The SIMPAQ showed a good test-retest reliability with correlates ranging from 0.78 (P<0.001) for structured exercise to 0.96 (P<0.001) for walking. Women, non-smokers and those without HIV/AIDS showed higher incidental PA than men, smokers and those with HIV/AIDS. The SIMPAQ is a reliable tool to assess PA and sedentary levels in Ugandan outpatients with psychosis. Men, smokers and those with HIV/AIDS appear to be at risk for lower incidental PA.

Physical activity participation is associated with higher quality of life scores in men with alcohol use disorders: a study from Uganda.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of encouraging people with alcohol use disorders (AUD) to become more active as an achievable strategy to reduce the disability-associated burden. We investigated whether physical activity and sedentary behaviour in men with AUD contribute to their quality of life (QoL). Fifty male Ugandan inpatients with AUD (33.0±10.7 years) completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment brief version, Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test while waist circumference, body mass index and blood pressure were assessed. Linear multiple regression analysis explored the total variance in QoL explained by all predictor variables. SIMPAQ walking and SIMPAQ exercise explained 46% of the variability in physical QoL, 45% of the variability in psychological QoL, and 40% of the variability in environmental QoL. The SIMPAQ walking score predicted 37% of the variability in social QoL. The current findings suggest that higher levels of walking and exercising are associated with a better QoL. Our study therefore provides a platform for future research to investigate the role of physical activity on QoL levels in people with AUD, also in low resourced settings in low-income countries such as Uganda.

Assessing physical activity in people with mental illness: 23-country reliability and validity of the simple physical activity questionnaire (SIMPAQ)

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a key contributor to the global burden of disease and disproportionately impacts the wellbeing of people experiencing mental illness. Increases in physical activity are associated with improvements in symptoms of mental illness and reduction in cardiometabolic risk. Reliable and valid clinical tools that assess physical activity would improve evaluation of intervention studies that aim to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness.MethodsThe five-item Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) was developed by a multidisciplinary, international working group as a clinical tool to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Patients with a DSM or ICD mental illness diagnoses were recruited and completed the SIMPAQ on two occasions, one week apart. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer and completed brief cognitive and clinical assessments.ResultsEvidence of SIMPAQ validity was assessed against accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity. Data were obtained from 1010 participants. The SIMPAQ had good test-retest reliability. Correlations for moderate-vigorous physical activity was comparable to studies conducted in general population samples. Evidence of validity for the sedentary behaviour item was poor. An alternative method to calculate sedentary behaviour had stronger evidence of validity. This alternative method is recommended for use in future studies employing the SIMPAQ.ConclusionsThe SIMPAQ is a brief measure of physical activity and sedentary behaviour that can be reliably and validly administered by health professionals.

Test-retest reliability, validity, and correlates of the 2-min walk test in outpatients with depression.

A reason for the lack of interest in physical fitness testing in mental healthcare is limited time among existing staff. This cross-sectional study investigated the test-retest reliability of the 2-min walk test (2MWT) and its concurrent validity with the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in Ugandan patients with depression. We also explored practice effects and assessed the minimal detectable change (MDC) and clinical correlates with the 2MWT. This is a cross-sectional study executed in Butabika National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Fifty Ugandan patients with depression (15 women; median age = 29.0 years) performed twice a 2MWT, once a 6MWT, and completed the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and Brief Symptoms Inventory-18 (BSI-18). The median (interquartile) 2MWT score on the first and second test were 125.5 (59.2) meters and 131.0 (57.0) meters (p = .28). The intraclass correlation was.96 (95% confidence interval [0.94, 0.98]). The MDC was 23.5 m for men and 23.4 m for women. There was no evidence of a practice effect. Scores on BSI-18 depression, SIMPAQ walking, and SIMPAQ incidental physical activity explained 66.3% of 2MWT score variance. The 2MWT is a reliable test, which can be conducted without any special equipment or substantial time demands, to provide a valid assessment of the functional exercise capacity in outpatients with depression.

Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and correlates of the two-minute walk test in outpatients with psychosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the 2-minute walk test (2MWT) and the concurrent validity with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in outpatients with psychosis. We also explored whether there was a practice effect, determined minimal detectable changes (MDC) and assessed which factors are associated with the 2MWT performance. Fifty outpatients [22 women; 33.5 (14.3) years] performed the 2MWT twice and the 6MWT once and completed the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) and Brief Symptoms Inventory -18. The median (interquartile) 2MWT score on the first and second test were 128.0 (44.0) meters and 128.0 (31.5) meters, without significant difference between the two trials. The intraclass coefficient was 0.94 (95% confidence interval=0.91–0.97). The significant Spearman Rho correlation between the second 2MWT and the 6MWT was 0.69. The MDC was 22 m for men and 21 m for women. There was no evidence for a practice effect. Variability in SIMPAQ sedentary, exercise, incidental physical activity and leg pain following the test explained 54.6% of the variance in 2MWT score. The current study demonstrates that the 2MWT is a reliable, valid and clinically feasible tool for assessing and evaluating the functional exercise capacity in outpatients with psychosis.

Mental health informed physical activity for first responders and their support partner: a protocol for a stepped-wedge evaluation of an online, codesigned intervention

BackgroundFirst responders (police, fire and ambulance officers) are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing poor mental health, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are associated with high...

The efficacy of physical activity counseling in Ugandan patients with HIV and a co-morbid mental disorder: a pilot study

ABSTRACTThis study explored the efficacy of physical activity (PA) counseling in inactive patients with HIV/AIDS and a co-morbid mental health disorder living in a Ugandan fishing community. We investigated associations between changes in PA, sedentary behavior, mental health burden and quality of life (QoL) following an 8-week once per week PA counseling program using the self-determination theory and motivational interviewing framework. In total 41 (33 women) patients (39.8 ± 10.9years) completed the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. Large effect sizes were found for reductions in time spent sedentary (Cohen’s d = 2.85) and reductions in depressive symptoms (Cohen’s d = 1.47). We also found large effect sizes for increases in time spent walking (Cohen’s d = 1.38), in incidental PA such as household chores (Cohen’s d = 1.69), and physical health (Cohen’s d = 1.38), psychological health (Cohen’s d = 0.95), and social relationships. (Cohen’s d = 1.39). The more time spent sedentary decreased, the more the psychological health increased (r = −0.33, P = 0.037). In sedentary patients with HIV/AIDS and a co-morbid mental disorder, the mental health burden reduces and QoL improves following PA counseling. Controlled studies are however needed to confirm our findings.

Associations of the Built Environment With Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Ugandan Outpatients With Mental Health Problems

This study investigated whether reported neighborhood variables explained variance in time spent walking, exercising, and being sedentary, in addition to mental health and demographic variables among Ugandan outpatients with mental illness. Ninety-nine outpatients (78 men; 31.1 [8.6]y) of the Butabika National Referral Hospital in Uganda completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Africa, the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Brief Symptoms Inventory-18. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Seven percent of the variance in walking time was explained by the variance in anxiety/depression and an additional 13% by the variance in perceived mixed land use and the availability of roads and walking paths. Eight percent of the variance in exercise time was explained by variance in age and an additional 6% by the variance anxiety/depression. The availability of recreational space added 8%. Six percent of variance in time spent sedentary was explained by family income, while availability of roads and walking paths added another 6%. This study shows the relevance of availability of roads and walking paths and recreational space for more physical activity and less sedentary behavior in people with mental illness. This is particularly relevant in low-income countries where a rapid urbanization is taking place.

Assessing Physical Activity in People with Mental Illness: 23-Country Reliability and Validity of the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ)

Background: Physical inactivity is a key contributor to the global burden of disease and disproportionately impacts the wellbeing of people experiencing mental illness. Increases in physical activity are associated with improvements in symptoms of mental illness and reduction in cardiometabolic risk. Reliable and valid clinical tools that assess physical activity would improve evaluation of intervention studies that aim to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Methods: The five-item Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) was developed by a multidisciplinary, international working group as a clinical tool to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Investigators from 43 centres in 23 countries collected reliability and validity data on the SIMPAQ from patients with DSM or ICD mental illness diagnoses. Test-retest repeatability was assessed one-week apart. Criterion SIMPAQ validity was assessed against accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity. Findings: Data were obtained from 1,010 participants. The SIMPAQ had good test-retest reliability (Spearman rho approximately 0.70). Criterion validity for moderate-vigorous physical activity was comparable to studies conducted in general population samples. Criterion validity of the sedentary behaviour item was poor. An alternative method to calculate sedentary behaviour had greater criterion validity. This alternative method is recommended for use in future studies employing the SIMPAQ. Interpretation: The SIMPAQ is a brief measure of physical activity and sedentary behaviour that can be reliably and validly administered by health professionals. Funding Statement: SR is funded by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (APP1123336). BS is supported by Health Education England and the National Institute for Health Research HEE/ NIHR ICA Programme Clinical Lectureship (ICA-CL-2017-03-001). FG and BS are part supported by the Maudsley Charity and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South London (NIHR CLAHRC South London) at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with support from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health and Social Care. JBA was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU13/05130). Declaration of Interests: We confirm that authors have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of UNSW Sydney, Australia (HC15586) as the lead site. Details of individual site ethics approvals from participating sites are listed in Supplementary material.

Sedentary Behavior and Quality of Life in People with Psychotic Disorders from a Low Income Country: A Study from Uganda.

The current study examined the impact of sedentary behaviour (SB) on quality of life (QoL) in people with psychotic disorders. Thirty-six Ugandan women (mean age = 33.9 ± 8.0years) and 23 men (37.4 ± 11.8years) with a DSM 5 diagnosis of psychosis completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version and Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ). Medication use, physical co-morbidities, weight, height, blood pressure and smoking habits were recorded. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken. Variability in SIMPAQ sedentary and walking scores explained 56% of the variability in psychological QoL, while variability in SIMPAQ walking explained 46% of the variability in physical QoL. Health care professionals should not only consider increasing physical activity but also reducing SB to improve QoL in their patients.

The utility of two interview-based physical activity questionnaires in healthy young adults: Comparison with accelerometer data

BackgroundAccurate assessment of physical activity is essential to determine the magnitude of the health-related benefits of regular physical activity. While physical activity questionnaires are easy to use, their accuracy in comparison to objective measures has been questioned. The purpose of the present study was to examine the utility of two interview-based questionnaires; a recently-developed instrument, the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and the Seven Day-Physical Activity Recall (7DPAR).MethodsAccelerometer data was collected in 72 university students (50% females). Telephone interviews were conducted to complete the SIMPAQ and the 7DPAR.ResultsSignificant correlations (p < .001) were found between accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), the amount of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous exercise assessed via the SIMPAQ (rho = .49), and vigorous physical activity assessed via the 7DPAR (rho = .50). Exercise assessed via the SIMPAQ was significantly correlated with the vigorous physical activity score of the 7DPAR (rho = .56, p < .001). While participants needed three minutes less to complete the SIMPAQ (p < .001), participants tended to be more confident about the accuracy of the answers they provided on the 7DPAR (p < .01).ConclusionsThese two questionnaire measures of physical activity performed similarly in a healthy young adult sample. The SIMPAQ can be completed in 15 minutes, which could be an advantage in settings where time for physical activity assessment is limited.

Psychiatric In-Patients Are More Likely to Meet Recommended Levels of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity If They Engage in Exercise and Sport Therapy Programs.

Background: People with mental disorders engage in sedentary behaviors more often than their healthy counterparts. In Switzerland, nearly all psychiatric hospitals offer structured exercise and sport therapy as part of their standard therapeutic treatment. However, little is known about the degree to which psychiatric patients make use of these treatment offers. The aim of this study is to examine, in a sample of psychiatric in-patients (a) how many participate in the structured exercise and sport therapy programs offered by the clinic, (b) how many engage in exercise and sport activities on an individual basis, and (c) how many meet recommended levels of health-enhancing physical activity during their stay at the clinic. Furthermore, we examine whether those who engage in exercise and sport activities are more likely to meet internationally accepted physical activity recommendations.Methods: 107 psychiatric in-patients (49% women, Mage = 39.9 years) were recruited at three psychiatric clinics in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. All participants were engaged in treatment and received usual care. Based on accelerometer data, participants were classified as either meeting or not meeting physical activity recommendations (≥150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week). Participation in structured and individually performed exercise and sport activities was assessed with the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire.Results: In total, 57% of all patients met physical activity recommendations. 55% participated in structured exercise and sport therapy activities, whereas only 22% of all patients engaged in exercise and sport activities independently. Psychiatric patients were significantly more likely to meet recommended levels of health-enhancing physical activity if they engaged in at least 60 min per week of structured exercise and sport therapy or in at least 30 min of individually performed exercise and sport activity.Conclusions: Given that prolonged immobilization and sedentary behavior have harmful effects on patients' physical and mental well-being, promoting exercise and sport activities is an important endeavor in psychiatric care. Clinics currently succeed in involving between 50 and 60% of all patients in sufficient physical activity. While this is encouraging, more systematic efforts are needed to ensure that all patients get enough physical activity.

S163. FEASIBILITY STUDY: MEASURES OF SLEEP AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses have poor physical health and are at an increased risk of developing long-term physical health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. While this may be due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as lack of physical activity, circadian rhythm problems may also play a part. It is therefore important to be able to measure physical activity and sleep patterns in schizophrenia. This study aims to assess for feasibility by comparing ActiGraph accelerometer data, mobile phone app data and questionnaire data.MethodsA cross-sectional comparison of different assessment methods of sleep and general activity was used. Assessment methods included:a) ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers worn on the waist and wrist for 7 days.b) Lenovo A Plus smartphone apps ‘SleepBot’ and ‘Google Fit’ installed for the purposes of gathering data on sleep and physical activity patterns for 7 days.c) Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire taken at baseline and on day 7.At the seven-day assessment participants were interviewed using a topic guide covering their experiences. This explored the feasibility and acceptability of the measures and possible barriers for implementation.Results14 out of a planned 30 participants who met DSM IV-R criteria for schizophrenia spectrum psychoses have been recruited across Greater Manchester from wards and in the community. All participants were retained for the 7-day study duration. Preliminary assessment has shown concordance between the different measures. 3 out of the 14 participants engaged in vigorous physical activity during the 7 days. All 14 participants spent more than 50% of their time sedentary during the 7 days. Participants showed fragmented sleep with a high number of awakenings.DiscussionUsing mobile phones and accelerometers are inexpensive and unobtrusive methods for measuring sleep and physical activity. These measures are feasible and acceptable to people with schizophrenia and are therefore suitable for implementation in routine clinical care. The measures can also be used by service users themselves to enhance their ability to monitor their own physical health. Such self-management and monitoring may encourage goal setting and improve autonomy, which have been found to be associated with increased levels of physical activity.

The efficacy of sodium benzoate as an adjunctive treatment in early psychosis - CADENCE-BZ: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPsychotic disorders affect up to 3% of the population and are often chronic and disabling. Innovation in the pharmacological treatment of psychosis has remained stagnant in recent decades. In order to improve outcomes for those with psychotic disorders, we present a protocol for the trial of a common food preservative, sodium benzoate, as an adjunctive treatment in early psychosis.MethodsPersons experiencing early psychosis (n = 160) will be recruited through hospitals and community mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Patients will be randomized to receive either 12-week treatment with 1000 mg (500 mg twice daily (BD)) sodium benzoate or placebo. Patients will undergo fortnightly outcome assessments, in addition to weekly ongoing capacity to consent, drug compliance and safety assessments. The primary outcome measure is the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. Secondary outcomes are Global Assessment of Function (GAF), Assessment of Quality of Life Scale (AQOL), the Activity and Participation Questionnaire (APQ6), International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), Physical Activity Questionnaire, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Hamilton Depression rating Scale-17 items (HDRS), Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) and the Patients’ Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). As a tertiary objective, changes from baseline to endpoint in to serum markers related to D-alanine, L-alanine, D-serine, L-serine, glycine and glutamate will be investigated.DiscussionConsumers and clinicians are keen to help develop better treatments for those with psychosis. This study, part of the wider Cadence clinical trials platform will examine if a safe and accessible food preservative can help optimize outcomes in those with psychosis.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12615000187549. Registered on 26 February 2015.

Preliminary reliability of the five item physical activity questionnaire.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to design a physical activity questionnaire reflecting on the basic principles and recommendations of exercise and to examine its reliability. [Subjects and Methods] 342 males and 374 females from the community centers (senior center, residential culture center, sport center, and YWCA center) participated in this study. [Results] The test-retest reliability of the physical activity questionnaire, measured with an interval of three months, being between 0.61 and 0.91 signifies that the questionnaire was useful instrument for assessing physical activity levels. [Conclusion] This study found that the simple physical activity questionnaire containing the frequency, duration, intensity, overall length, and type of activities that the person performed during their leisure time was reliable.

A Comparison of Planned and Leisure Time Activity as Assessed by a Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire

A Comparison of Planned and Leisure Time Activity as Assessed by a Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire

A nomogram to predict exercise capacity from a specific activity questionnaire and clinical data

Recent investigations suggested that clinical exercise testing can be optimized by individualizing the protocol, depending on the purpose of the test and the subject tested. This requires some knowledge of a patient's exercise capacity before beginning the test. The accuracy of a simple physical activity questionnaire and readily available clinical data in predicting subsequent treadmill performance was examined. A brief, self-administered questionnaire (VSAQ) was developed for veterans who were referred to exercise testing for clinical reasons. The VSAQ was designed to determine which specific daily activities were associated with symptoms of cardiovascular disease (fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath). Two hundred twelve consecutive patients (mean age 62 ± 8 years) referred for maximal exercise testing were studied. Clinical and demographic variables were added to VSAQ responses in a stepwise regression model to determine their ability to predict treadmill performance. Only metabolic equivalents by VSAQ, and age were significant predictors of treadmill performance; these 2 variables yielded R = 0.82 (SEE 1.43; p < 0.001), and explained 67% of the variance in exercise capacity. The regression equation reflecting the relation between age, VSAQ and exercise capacity was: achieved metabolic equivalents = 4.7 + 0.97 (VSAQ) − 0.06 (age). Using this equation, a nomogram was developed. Incorporating the VSAQ with the nomogram requires only a few minutes, and yields a reasonably accurate estimate of a patient's exercise capacity. Although the present equation is population-specific, a similar approach in different populations may be useful for individualizing protocols for clinical exercise testing.