An Optimal Self-Report Physical Activity Measure for Older Adults: Does Physical Function Matter?

in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

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Nancy W. Glynn
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Alexa J. Meinhardt
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Kelsea R. LaSorda
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Jessica L. Graves
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Theresa Gmelin
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Allison M. Gerger
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Paolo Caserotti
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Robert M. Boudreau
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2019-0380
Keywords:
accelerometry; exercise; physical performance; validation studies
First Published Online:
12 Aug 2020
In Print:
Volume 29: Issue 2
Page Range:
193–199
Restricted access

The authors compared two self-report measures of physical activity, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), against the device-derived SenseWear Armband (SWA), to identify a recommended self-report tool to measure physical activity in older adults across physical function levels. A total of 65 community-dwelling older adults completed the PASE, CHAMPS, and seven full days of SWA wear. The authors measured physical function using the modified short physical performance battery (SPPB) and a usual-paced 6-m walk. Age- and sex-adjusted Spearman correlations showed that CHAMPS and SWA were correlated in higher functioning participants (SPPB: ρ = .33, p = .03; gait speed: ρ = .40, p = .006) and also correlated in lower functioning participants for SPPB (ρ = .70, p = .003) only. PASE and SWA were not significantly correlated across physical function. When an objective measure of physical activity is not practical, the CHAMPS questionnaire appears to capture physical activity for older adults across physical function levels.

Glynn, Meinhardt, LaSorda, Graves, Gmelin, Gerger, and Boudreau are with the Department of Epidemiology, Center for Aging and Population Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Caserotti is with the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Glynn (epidnwg@pitt.edu) is corresponding author.
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