Measurement of physical activity in urban and rural South African adults: a comparison of two self-report methods

Abstract Background Due to the large mortality from inactivity-related non-communicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries, accurate assessment of physical activity is important for surveillance, monitoring and understanding of physical (in)activity epidemiology in many of these countries. Research on relative performance of self-report physical activity instruments commonly used for epidemiological research in Africa have rarely been reported. The present study compared estimates of physical activity measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) among urban and rural black South African adults. Methods Self-reported physical activity data using the IPAQ-SF and BPAQ were collected from a representative sample of 910 urban and rural black South African adults (age = 59.2 ± 9.5 years, 69.7 % women) participating in the 2015 wave of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study in the North West Province of South Africa. Between-method relationships (pearson correlations [r] and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) and agreements (Bland-Altman mean difference with 95 % limits of agreement and Kappa coefficient [k]) of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ variables were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the BPAQ relative to the IPAQ-SF to classify individuals according to the international guidelines for sufficient physical activity were calculated using chi-square statistics. Results Correlations between IPAQ-SF scores and BPAQ indices were small (r = 0.08–0.18; ICCs = 0.09–0.18) for BPAQ leisure and sport indices, moderate-to-large for work index (r = 0.42–0.59; ICCs = 0.40–0.62) and total physical activity index (r = 0.52–0.60; ICCs = 0.36–0.51). Between methods mean difference for total physical activity was large (1.85 unit), and agreement in physical activity classifications was poor to moderate (k = 0.16–0.44). The sensitivity of the BPAQ to identify sufficiently active people from the IPAQ-SF was very good (98 %), but its specificity to correctly classify insufficiently active people was weak (23 %). Conclusion Notable disparities in physical activity estimates between methods suggest that utilization of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ for surveillance and epidemiology studies in Africa should depend on research questions and population to be studied. Future studies with objective measures are needed to confirm the relative validity between the two instruments

Fit to Perform: A Profile of Higher Education Music Students’ Physical Fitness

Musicians are often called athletes of the upper body, but knowledge of their physical and fitness profiles is nonetheless limited, especially those of advanced music students who are training to enter music’s competitive professional landscape. To gain insight into how physical fitness is associated with music making, this study investigated music students’ fitness levels on several standardized indicators. 483 students took part in a fitness screening protocol that included measurements of lung function, flexibility (hypermobility, shoulder range of motion, sit and reach), strength and endurance (hand grip, plank, press-up), and sub-maximal cardiovascular fitness (3-min step test), as well as self-reported physical activity (IPAQ-SF). Participants scored within ranges appropriate for their age on lung function, shoulder range of motion, grip strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Their results for the plank, press up, and sit and reach were poor by comparison. Reported difficulty (22%) and pain (17%) in internal rotation of the right shoulder were also found. Differences between instrument groups and levels of study were observed on some measures. In particular, brass players showed greater lung function and grip strength compared with other groups, and postgraduate students on the whole were able to maintain the plank for longer but also demonstrated higher hypermobility and lower lung function (FEV1) and cardiovascular fitness than undergraduates. 79% of participants exceeded the minimum recommended weekly amount of physical activity, with singers the most physically active group and keyboard players, composers, and conductors the least active. IPAQ-SF scores correlated positively with lung function, sit and reach, press-up and cardiovascular fitness suggesting that, in the absence of time and resources to carry out comprehensive physical assessments with musicians, this one measure alone can provide useful insights. The findings indicate that music students have adequate levels of general health-related fitness, and we discuss whether adequate fitness is enough for people undertaking physically and mentally demanding activities such as making music. We argue that musicians could benefit from strengthening their supportive musculature and enhancing their awareness of strength imbalances

Comparability of accelerometer- and IPAQ-derived physical activity and sedentary time in South Asian women: A cross-sectional study

There is limited research documenting objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in South Asian (SA) women, with no published evidence of the validity of self-report methods for assessment of PA/ST in SA. The purpose of this study was to compare accelerometer- and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-derived PA/ST among SA women in the United Kingdom (UK) via a mixed-methods approach. One hundred and forty SA women wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days; a sub-sample (n = 50) completed the IPAQ-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a brief structured interview. Accelerometer-derived metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week (min/wk) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (mean +/- SD) for the full sample was 793.94 (+/-519.44) and mean accelerometer-derived ST wk was 530.20 (+/-81.76). IPAQ-SF-derived MVPA (MET min/wk) was 636.80 (+/-2113.56) and mean ST wk was 315.31 (+/-266.98). Pearson correlations were not significant between accelerometer- and IPAQ-SF-assessed MVPA (r = -.119, p = .579) and ST (r = -.140, p = .229). Major themes synthesised from interviews included inability to recall sitting time and limited general knowledge of real-life examples of MVPA. These results suggest that the IPAQ-SF may not accurately measure PA/ST in the UK SA women. These findings are supported by qualitative evidence indicating several issues with interpretation and recall of PA/ST as assessed via this questionnaire

Care staff intentions to support adults with an intellectual disability to engage in physical activity: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Researchers suggest that people with an intellectual disability (ID) undertake less physical activity than the general population and many rely, to some extent, on others to help them to access activities. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model was previously found to significantly predict the intention of care staff to facilitate a healthy diet in those they supported. The present study examined whether the TPB was useful in predicting the intentions of 78 Scottish care staff to support people with ID to engage in physical activity. Regression analyses indicated that perceived behavioural control was the most significant predictor of both care staff intention to facilitate physical activity and reported physical activity levels of the people they supported. Attitudes significantly predicted care staff intention to support physical activity, but this intention was not itself significantly predictive of reported activity levels. Increasing carers' sense of control over their ability to support clients' physical activity may be more effective in increasing physical activity than changing their attitudes towards promoting activit

Foot pain and foot health in an educated population of adults: results from the Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni Foot Health Survey

Abstract Background Foot pain is common amongst the general population and impacts negatively on physical function and quality of life. Associations between personal health characteristics, lifestyle/behaviour factors and foot pain have been studied; however, the role of wider determinants of health on foot pain have received relatively little attention. Objectives of this study are i) to describe foot pain and foot health characteristics in an educated population of adults; ii) to explore associations between moderate-to-severe foot pain and a variety of factors including gender, age, medical conditions/co-morbidity/multi-morbidity, key indicators of general health, foot pathologies, and social determinants of health; and iii) to evaluate associations between moderate-to-severe foot pain and foot function, foot health and health-related quality-of-life. Methods Between February and March 2018, Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni with a working email address were invited to participate in the cross-sectional electronic survey (anonymously) by email via the Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni Office. The survey was constructed using the REDCap secure web online survey application and sought information on presence/absence of moderate-to-severe foot pain, patient characteristics (age, body mass index, socioeconomic status, occupation class, comorbidities, and foot pathologies). Prevalence data were expressed as absolute frequencies and percentages. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions were undertaken to identify associations 1) between independent variables and moderate-to-severe foot pain, and 2) between moderate-to-severe foot pain and foot function, foot health and health-related quality of life. Results Of 50,228 invitations distributed, there were 7707 unique views and 593 valid completions (median age [inter-quartile range] 42 [31–52], 67.3% female) of the survey (7.7% response rate). The sample was comprised predominantly of white Scottish/British (89.4%) working age adults (95%), the majority of whom were overweight or obese (57.9%), and in either full-time or part-time employment (82.5%) as professionals (72.5%). Over two-thirds (68.5%) of the sample were classified in the highest 6 deciles (most affluent) of social deprivation. Moderate-to-severe foot pain affected 236/593 respondents (39.8%). High body mass index, presence of bunions, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, hip pain and lower occupation class were included in the final multivariate model and all were significantly and independently associated with moderate-to-severe foot pain (p < 0.05), except for rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.057). Moderate-to-severe foot pain was significantly and independently associated lower foot function, foot health and health-related quality of life scores following adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (p < 0.05). Conclusions Moderate-to-severe foot pain was highly prevalent in a university-educated population and was independently associated with female gender, high body mass index, bunions, back pain, hip pain and lower occupational class. Presence of moderate-to-severe foot pain was associated with worse scores for foot function, foot health and health-related quality-of-life. Education attainment does not appear to be protective against moderate-to-severe foot pain

How well do physical activity questions perform? A European cognitive testing study

&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;BACKGROUND: &lt;/b&gt;Only few studies have focused on the cognitive processes of the respondents that are involved when answering physical activity questionnaires (PAQs). This study aimed at examining whether two PAQs work as intended with different segments of the survey population in different cultural settings in Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;METHODS: &lt;/b&gt;The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the US National Health Interview Survey - Adult Core Physical Activity Questionnaire (NHIS-PAQ) were tested in Belgium, Estonia, Germany and the UK using a standardized cognitive interviewing procedure. IPAQ-SF measures total vigorous physical activity (PA), moderate PA, walking and sitting. NHIS-PAQ measures leisure-time vigorous PA, light and moderate PA and muscle-strengthening PA. In total 62 persons completed cognitive interviews, at least 15 interviews were conducted in each country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;RESULTS: &lt;/b&gt;Both PAQs performed as intended with young and high-skilled persons and those having a regular exercise schedule. For the others, however, the testing revealed that problems occurred with both PAQs relating to understanding the concepts of &#039;(light and) moderate&#039; and &#039;vigorous&#039; PA, classifying activities into the provided answer options of different PA intensities, recalling instances of &#039;normal&#039; activities such as walking and sitting, and calculating the total duration of more than one activity or instance of an activity. The revealed problems with the questionnaires were quite similar in different countries; profound cultural differences were not observed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;CONCLUSIONS: &lt;/b&gt;Both questionnaires were difficult to answer for many respondents and rather user-unfriendly. They are designed to measure an exactness of PA quantity (frequency and duration) and intensity which would be desirable to obtain from a scientific point of view; however, respondents can hardly provide this information for cognitive reasons. Studies investigating the respondents&#039; perspective are useful for improving physical activity information based on self-reports.&lt;/p&gt;</p

Physical activity but not sedentary activity is reduced in primary Sjögren’s syndrome

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of physical activity in individuals with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS) and its relationship to the clinical features of PSS. To this cross-sectional study, self-reported levels of physical activity from 273 PSS patients were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF) and were compared with healthy controls matched for age, sex and body mass index. Fatigue and other clinical aspects of PSS including disease status, dryness, daytime sleepiness, dysautonomia, anxiety and depression were assessed using validated tools. Individuals with PSS had significantly reduced levels of physical activity [median (interquartile range, IQR) 1572 (594–3158) versus 3708 (1732–8255) metabolic equivalent of task (MET) × min/week, p < 0.001], but similar levels of sedentary activity [median (IQR) min 300 (135–375) versus 343 (223–433) (MET) × min/week, p = 0.532] compared to healthy individuals. Differences in physical activity between PSS and controls increased at moderate [median (IQR) 0 (0–480) versus 1560 (570–3900) MET × min/week, p < 0.001] and vigorous intensities [median (IQR) 0 (0–480) versus 480 (0–1920) MET × min/week, p < 0.001]. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between physical activity and fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, depressive symptoms and quality of life. Sedentary activity did not correlate with fatigue. Stepwise linear regression analysis identified symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness as independent predictors of levels of physical activity. Physical activity is reduced in people with PSS and is associated with symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness. Sedentary activity is not increased in PSS. Clinical care teams should explore the clinical utility of targeting low levels of physical activity in PSS

Measuring the physical activity level and pattern in daily life in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis : a systematic review

Background: A lower activity level and imbalanced activity pattern are frequently observed in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) due to debilitating fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM). To provide an optimal treatment strategy, insight into a patient's current physical activity level and pattern is necessary and identification of reliable and valid measures or scales measuring physical activity level and pattern in this population is warranted. Objective: To identify measures or scales used to evaluate activity level and/or pattern in patients with CFS/ME and review their psychometric properties. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science until 12 October 2016. First, articles including relevant measures were identified. Secondly, psychometric properties of relevant measurement instruments were extracted and rated based on the COSMIN checklist. Results: The review was performed and reported according to PRISMA statement. A total of 51 articles and 15 unique measurement instruments were found, but only three instruments have been evaluated in patients with CFS: the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Activity Questionnaire (CFS-AQ), Activity Pattern Interview (API) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), all self-report instruments measuring physical activity level. Conclusions: The IPAQ-SF, CFS-AQ and API are all equally capable of evaluating the physical activity level, but none of these are optimal to use. Although often used as gold standard to capture physical activity patterns, activity monitors have not yet been evaluated in these patients. More research is needed to evaluate the psychometric properties of existing instruments, including activity monitors

Testing self-report time-use diaries against objective instruments in real time

This study provides a new test of time-use diary methodology, comparing diaries with a pair of objective criterion measures: wearable cameras and accelerometers. A volunteer sample of respondents (n = 148) completed conventional self-report paper time-use diaries using the standard UK Harmonised European Time Use Study (HETUS) instrument. On the diary day, respondents wore a camera that continuously recorded images of their activities during waking hours (approximately 1,500–2,000 images/day) and also an accelerometer that tracked their physical activity continuously throughout the 24-hour period covered by the diary. Of the initial 148 participants recruited, 131 returned usable diary and camera records, of whom 124 also provided a usable whole-day accelerometer record. The comparison of the diary data with the camera and accelerometer records strongly supports the use of diary methodology at both the aggregate (sample) and individual levels. It provides evidence that time-use data could be used to complement physical activity questionnaires for providing population-level estimates of physical activity. It also implies new opportunities for investigating techniques for calibrating metabolic equivalent of task (MET) attributions to daily activities using large-scale, population-representative time-use diary studies

Pouzdanost kratke verzije međunarodnog upitnika tjelesne aktivnosti za Hrvatsku

Dosadašnja istraživanja iz razlicitih zemalja ukazala su na zadovoljavajucu razinu pouzdanosti kratke verzije Medunarodnog upitnika tjelesne aktivnosti (IPAQ-SF). Pouzdanost ovog upitnika, pregledom literature, nije utvrdena za Hrvatsku. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi pouzdanost kratke verzije IPAQ upitnika za Hrvatsku test-retest metodom. Uzorak sudionika cinila su 103 ucenika (42% ucenici, 58% ucenice) u dobi od 17 do 19 godina, završnih razreda Gimnazije Lucijan Vranjanin iz Zagreba. Uzorak varijabli cinile su spol, godine, tjelesna visina, tjelesna težina, indeks tjelesne mase (BMI), utvrdene zasebnim dijelom upitnika i tjelesna aktivnost ucenika (TA) utvrdena kratkom verzijom IPAQ upitnika. Istraživanje je provedeno u dvije vremenske tocke, prvo anketiranje je provedeno u trecem tjednu rujna, a drugo u prvom tjednu listopada kako ucenici ne bi pamtili svoje odgovore, te kako ne bi prošao znacajan dio vremena tijekom kojeg bi ispitanici mogli promijeniti svoje tjelesne navike. Na temelju rezultata izracunati su Spearman koeficijenti korelacije izmedu test i retesta za ukupnu tjelesnu aktivnost (TA) koji iznosi (0.64) i za pojedine kategorije tjelesne aktivnosti (0.91-0.54). Pouzdanost kratke verzije IPAQ upitnika za Hrvatsku je na zadovoljavajucoj razini kako za ukupnu tjelesnu aktivnost, tako i za pojedinu kategoriju tjelesne aktivnosti