Reliability and Validity of Physical Activity Questionnaires in Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Rangul Vegar, Holmen Turid Lingaas, Kurtze Nanna, Cuypers Koenraad, Midthjell Kristian
Primary Institution: Nord-Trøndelag University College
Hypothesis
The study investigates the reliability and validity of two physical activity questionnaires among adolescents aged 13–18 years.
Conclusion
The WHO HBSC questionnaire showed substantial reliability and was an acceptable instrument for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness, especially among girls, while neither questionnaire was valid for measuring physical activity compared to total energy expenditure and physical activity level.
Supporting Evidence
- The WHO HBSC questionnaire had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.73 for frequency and 0.71 for duration.
- Significant gender differences were found in the reliability of the WHO HBSC frequency question.
- The IPAQ showed lower reliability compared to the WHO HBSC questionnaire.
- Validity of the WHO HBSC questionnaire was higher for girls than boys.
- Both questionnaires had low correlation with total energy expenditure and physical activity level.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well two questionnaires measure physical activity in teenagers. It found that one of them works pretty well for girls, but neither is great for measuring how active teens really are.
Methodology
The study used a test-retest design to evaluate reliability and compared questionnaire responses with objective measures of physical activity and fitness.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of overrepresentation of physically active adolescents due to the low response rate.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate of 35%, which may introduce bias, and the sample size was limited to 71 participants.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adolescents aged 13–18 years, with 56.3% being girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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