Comparison of Two Methods of Measuring Physical Activity in South African Older Adults
in Journal of Aging and Physical ActivityClick name to view affiliation
The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in older South African adults. The YPAS includes measures of weekly energy expenditure (EE) for housework, yard work, caregiving, exercise, and recreation. The IPAQ measures total time and EE during vigorous and moderate activity, walking, and sitting. The instruments were administered twice for test–retest reliability (men, n = 52, 68 ± 5.4 years, and women, n = 70, 66 ± 5.8 years). Data for criterion validity were obtained from accelerometers. YPAS reliability ranged from r = .44 to.80 for men and r = .59 to .99 for women (p < .0001). IPAQ reliability was lower for men (r = .29 to .76) than for women (r = .46 to .77). Criterion validity of the YPAS was .31 to .54 for men and .26 to .29 for women. The YPAS and short IPAQ had comparable results for reliability and criterion validity.
Kolbe-Alexander and Lambert are with the Dept. of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, 7725. Harkins is with the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Ekelund is with the Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, 120 Fulbourn Road, CB1 9NL, Cambridge, UK
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