Comparison of the validity of four fall-related psychological measures in a community-based falls risk screening

We examined the measurement properties offall-related psychological instruments with a sample of 133 older adults (M age = 74.4 years, SD = 9.4). Measures included the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument, Falls-efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), modified Survey ofActivities and Fear ofFalling in the Elderly (mSAFFE), Consequences of Falling (CoF), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The FES-I, ABC, mSAFFE, and CoF were significantly correlated with each othe, with SF-36, and with mobility. The ABC and mSAFFE were significantly correlated with PASE. The ABC differentiated between fallers and nonfallers and predicted total falls risk. Findings can assist with the selection of psychological instruments in a falls risk screening context.     

Comparison of the Validity of Four Fall-Related Psychological Measures in a Community-Based Falls Risk Screening

Abstract

We examined the measurement properties of fall-related psychological instruments with a sample of 133 older adults (M age = 74.4 years, SD = 9.4). Measures included the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument, Falls-efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), modified Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (mSAFFE), Consequences of Falling (CoF), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The FES-I, ABC, mSAFFE, and CoF were significantly correlated with each other, with SF-36, and with mobility. The ABC and mSAFFE were significantly correlated with PASE. The ABC differentiated between fallers and nonfallers and predicted total falls risk. Findings can assist with the selection of psychological instruments in a falls risk screening context.     

A comparison of accelerometry analysis methods for physical activity in older adult women and associations with health outcomes over time

ABSTRACT

This study compared five different methods for analyzing accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) in older adults and assessed the relationship between changes in PA and changes in physical function and depressive symptoms for each method. Older adult females (N = 144, M_age = 83.3 ± 6.4yrs) wore hip accelerometers for six days and completed measures of physical function and depressive symptoms at baseline and six months. Accelerometry data were processed by five methods to estimate PA: 1041 vertical axis cut-point, 15-second vector magnitude (VM) cut-point, 1-second VM algorithm (Activity Index (AI)), machine learned walking algorithm, and individualized cut-point derived from a 400-meter walk. Generalized estimating equations compared PA minutes across methods and showed significant differences between some methods but not others; methods estimated 6-month changes in PA ranging from 4 minutes to over 20 minutes. Linear mixed models for each method tested associations between changes in PA and health. All methods, except the individualized cut-point, had a significant relationship between change in PA and improved physical function and depressive symptoms. This study is among the first to compare accelerometry processing methods and their relationship to health. It is important to recognize the differences in PA estimates and relationship to health outcomes based on data processing method.

Abbreviation: Machine Learning (ML); Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); Physical Activity (PA); Activity Index (AI); Activities of Daily Living (ADL)     

Validity and Reliability of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)

There is limited published validity and reliability evidence to support using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Two studies were conducted to evaluate validity and reliability evidence for the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. In Study 1: 69 adults completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (three months apart; n?=?54), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, fitness and anthropometric measures. All participants wore a pedometer and 53 participants wore an accelerometer for seven days at baseline. In Study 2, 16 adults completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire 10 days apart. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire moderate and vigorous minutes were correlated with the accelerometer moderate (r?=?0.28) and vigorous (r?=?0.48) physical activity. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were related for sedentary behaviors (r?=?0.51), moderate-to-vigorous (r?=?0.48) and vigorous (r?=?0.63) PA. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with percent fat (r =??0.32), estimated VO₂ max (r?=?0.26), and step count (r?=?0.39). The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire demonstrated graded differences across categories for step count, body mass index, waist circumference, percent fat, fitness, and accelerometer measured activity. Short-term test–retest reliability (10 days) ranged from 0.83 to 0.96 while long-term reliability (three months) was 0.53 to 0.83. These data provide low-to-moderate validity and generally acceptable reliability evidence for the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.     

Self-reported physical activity within and outside the neighborhood: Criterion-related validity of the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire in German older adults

The Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire allows to assess physical activity within and outside the neighborhood. Study objectives were to examine the criterion-related validity and health/functioning associations of Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire-derived physical activity in German older adults. A total of 107 adults aged ≥60 years completed the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire and Short Form 12 Health Survey. A subsample of 58 participants wore piezoelectric pedometers for 7 consecutive days. Rank correlation coefficients (ρ) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for the criterion-related validity and health/functioning associations of single Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire modules and total physical activity. Criterion-related validity was moderate (ρ ≤ .60) for total physical activity, total walking, and neighborhood walking, but low (ρ ≤ .40) for walking outside the neighborhood. Health/functioning associations were moderate for recreation walking and low for total physical activity, total walking, and walking within as well as outside the neighborhood. The study provides low-to-moderate validity evidence of Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire-derived physical activity in older adults.     

Validity and Reliability of Three Self-Report Instruments for Assessing Attainment of Physical Activity Guidelines in University Students

The purpose of this study was to compare the validity and reliability of three short physical activity self-report instruments to determine their potential for use with university student populations. The participants (N = 155; 44.5% male; 22.9 ± 5.13 years) wore an accelerometer for 9 consecutive days and completed a single-item measure, the a brief two item measure and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form questionnaires on day 1 and 9. Correlations between self-reported and accelerometer derived moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels were moderate for the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form, while poor for the single-item measure and the a brief two item measure. The agreement level was high with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (77.4%) and moderate for both the single-item measure (45.2 %) and a brief two item measure (44.5 %). The intraclass correlations between the two administrations were moderate to strong across all measures (0.52–0.70) in 133 participants. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form is the most suitable of these three self-report instruments for use with this population due to higher correlations and levels of agreement with accelerometry.     

Initial Validity Evidence for the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity With Youth

Experiencing mindfulness during movement-based interventions (e.g., yoga) may help support adaptive physical activity motivation processes in youth. However, there is currently no measure for assessing state mindfulness with youth within the context of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate a measure of state mindfulness for physical activity in youth. In study one, cognitive interviews with youth (N = 15) ages 8–13 evaluated the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity item comprehension and preference for developmentally worded modifications. Results suggest that problems with item comprehension were more likely in youth younger than 10. In study two, the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity, or a modified version, was administered randomly to middle-school students (N = 481). Internal consistency reliability, confirmatory factor analyses, model-based reliability omega, and correlations with theoretically relevant variables combined with the qualitative evidence provided stronger initial support for the use of the original State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity with middle-school students.     

Pedometer-determined physical activity and its comparison with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in a sample of Belgian adults

Pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) levels in Belgian adults were provided and compared to PA scores reported in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The representative sample (N=1239) of the Belgian population took on average 9655 (4526) steps/day. According to pedometer indices 58.4% were insufficiently active. Steps/day differed significantly between gender (F = 5.0, p = .026), age groups (F = 3.3, p = .01), employment status (F = 6.2, p = .013), and days of monitoring (F = 7.4, p = .007). Steps/day were negatively correlated to the time spent sitting and positively to PA at work, in transport, and in leisure time (p < .001). Steps data can discriminate between PA levels reported in the IPAQ. Belgian population pedometer-determined PA levels are higher than those reported in samples of the United States; however, there is a wide distribution of ambulatory behavior     

Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity and Its Comparison With the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in a Sample of Belgian Adults

Pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) levels in Belgian adults were provided and compared to PA scores reported in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The representative sample (N = 1,239) of the Belgian population took on average 9,655 (4,526) steps/day. According to pedometer indices 58.4% were insufficiently active. Steps/day differed significantly between gender (F = 5.0, p = .026), age groups (F = 3.3, p = .01), employment status (F = 6.2, p = .013), and days of monitoring (F = 7.4, p = .007). Steps/day were negatively correlated to the time spent sitting and positively to PA at work, in transport, and in leisure time (p < .001). Steps data can discriminate between PA levels reported in the IPAQ. Belgian population pedometer-determined PA levels are higher than those reported in samples of the United States; however, there is a wide distribution of ambulatory behavior.     

Reliability and validity of the German language version of Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale

Abstract

The high prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) among adolescents is an important public health issue. Studying reasons for disliking PA might help researchers better understand its underlying mechanisms, yet this psychological construct has been understudied. This study established the psychometric properties of the German language version of the Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale (G-DAS-Ger). Data were collected on a sample of 257 adolescent girls in Austria (mean age: 13.0 ± 0.7 years) using the G-DAS-Ger and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. One week after the first assessment, the questionnaires were re-administered to 78 girls. Between two administrations, PA of 215 girls was monitored for seven consecutive days using the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Confirmatory factor analysis of G-DAS-Ger showed good fit for a three-factor model (χ²/df = 2.025; Bollen–Stine (B-S) p = 0.159; root mean square error of approximation = 0.063; standardised root mean square residual = 0.054; comparative fit index = 0.950). Cronbach's alphas for G-DAS-Ger factors/subscales ranged 0.64–0.76. The test–retest reliability assessed by Spearman's rank correlation ranged 0.62–0.75. Only one subscale correlated significantly with vigorous-intensity PA (Spearman's rho = ?0.16) and none with moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA, which indicated poor predictive validity of the G-DAS-Ger. Correlations between G-DAS-Ger subscales and enjoyment of PA ranged from ?0.29 to ?0.41, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The G-DAS-Ger may be used in its present form to assess disinclination for PA among adolescent girls in German-speaking countries. However, our results put into question the stability of the originally proposed factor structure of the questionnaire and its predictive validity among German-speaking adolescent girls. Methodological refinements to the G-DAS-Ger may be required to improve its psychometric properties in this population.     

Self-reported and activPALTM-monitored physical activity and sedentary behaviour in college students: Not all sitting behaviours are linked to perceived stress and anxiety

ABSTRACT

This study examined relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with state-trait anxiety and stress. State-Trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale), SB across domains during weekdays and weekends (Last 7-day Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire) and PA intensities (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were assessed by self-report in 360 undergraduates (44% females, mean age 20.9 ± 2.93 years). A subsample (n = 121; 53.7% females; mean age 20.8 ± 2.6 years) wore an activPAL^TM to determine total SB, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Self-reported MVPA was significantly associated with lower trait anxiety and perceived stress, whereas light PA was only associated with lower perceived stress. Weekend total self-reported SB was related to higher trait anxiety and perceived stress levels, while total SB during the week was not. Of all SB domains, only leisure SB (screen and non-screen based) was associated with higher trait anxiety and perceived stress. PA attenuated the negative relationships between excessive sitting time and trait anxiety but not perceived stress. No associations were found for monitor-based measures of PA and SB. No associations were found between PA or SB variables with state anxiety. Further research is needed to assess causal and reciprocal relationships between PA, SB and mental health in college students.     

Recovery shape of physical activity after COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundSince the shutdowns associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there has been limited discourse on physical activity (PA) recovery (i.e., the ability of individuals to resume PA at pre-pandemic levels), including recovery rate, speed of recovery, which individuals are able to return quickly, who is left behind, and what are the causes of those differences. This study aimed to estimate the level and shape of PA recovery rate in Thailand.MethodsThis study employed 2 rounds (2020 and 2021) of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity dataset for the analysis. Each round included over 6600 samples from individuals aged 18 years or older. PA was assessed subjectively. Recovery rate was calculated from the relative difference in the cumulative minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) from 2 different periods.ResultsThe Thai population experienced a medium level of recession of PA (−26.1%) and a moderate level of recovery of PA (37.44%). PA recovery in the Thai population resembled an imperfect V shape, reflecting a sharp decline followed by an immediate upturn; still, recovered PA remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. The quickest recovery was found among older adults, whereas students, young adults, residents of Bangkok, the unemployed, and those who had a negative attitude toward PA experienced the highest recession of PA and were among the slowest to recover.ConclusionThe level of recovery of PA among Thai adults is largely determined by the preventive behaviors demonstrated by groups within the population who have a higher awareness of their health. The effect of the mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures on PA was temporary. However, the slower recovery rate of PA among some individuals was caused by a combination of restrictive measures and socioeconomic inequality, which required more time and effort to overcome.     

Comparison of Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Undergraduate Students

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate differences between estimates of sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and accelerometry in undergraduate students. 91 students participated in the study. Sedentary behavior and PA were objectively measured by an accelerometer for 7 days and then self-reported with the IPAQ. Partial correlations were used to assess associations among PA variables and participant characteristics between the methods. Agreement was assessed via the Bland–Altman method. Correlation coefficients between self-reported and objectively measured PA ranged from 0.21 to 0.38 (p≤ 0.05 for all). A higher proportion of students were classified as meeting PA guidelines via self-report compared to objective measurements. Bland–Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement between methods, however, bias was evident for all PA intensities. Sex and lean body mass impacted these differences. Researchers should exercise caution when interpreting PA assessed via the IPAQ in undergraduate students.     

The mediating role of intention and stages of change in physical activity among adults with physical disabilities: an integrative framework

The study's purpose was to identify the mediating role of intention and the stages of change (SOC) in physical activity (PA) over a 6-month period using two models (theory of planned behavior [TPB] and TPB/SOC). Participants were 143 adults with physical disabilities (70.68% response rate; M age = 46.03). The TPB constructs, SOC (time 1), and PA (time 2) were assessed using standardized self-report questionnaires. Based on path analyses, attitude had the highest effect on intention and SOC followed by perceived behavioral control within both well-fit models. The variance in PA explained by the first (TPB) and second (TPB/SOC) models was 16% and 28% respectively. In the just identified model of TPB/SOC, the direct effect of SOC on physical activity remained strong (gamma(soc.pa) = .45) and SOC approached full mediation through attitude. Health promotion interventions need to include both intention and behavior elements (SOC) reinforcing increased PA value and barrier elimination.     

幼儿体质影响因素的决策树研究

目的:基于决策树模型探讨幼儿体质的影响因素及其交互关系。方法:募集学龄前儿童4621名(36~83月龄)。参照《国民体质测定标准手册(幼儿部分)》进行体质测试与综合评级(合格、不合格);问卷调查幼儿出生信息、育儿方式、静坐与身体活动、膳食营养、睡眠、父母情况6个一级指标下分的59个二级指标变量信息;采用IBM SPSS modeler创建CHAID决策树模型。结果:幼儿体质的重要影响因素排序依次为周末身体活动(PA)、周末静坐行为(SB)、性别、周末中-大强度身体活动(MVPA)、上学日PA、钙、上学日SB。决策树模型显示,根节点变量周末PA“>3 h/天”(95.35%)的幼儿体质合格率与“1~3 h/天”(91.43%)、“≤0.5 h/天”(85.43%)相比具有非常显著性差异(P=0.000)。周末PA“>3 h/天”的第2、3层叶节点变量分别为周末SB、上学日PA,“1~3 h/天”“≤0.5 h/天”的第2层叶节点变量均为性别。其中,“1~3 h/天”的3~5层叶节点变量包括周末与上学日MVPA、上学日SB、钙等。结论:周末PA是影响幼儿体质的最关键因素。幼儿周末PA应超过3 h/天的国际推荐量标准,并在此基础上减少周末SB时间、增加上学日PA时间。身体活动与静坐行为、性别、钙摄入等对不同层次类型幼儿的体质促进具有决策意义。     

The importance of cohesion and enjoyment for the fitness improvement of 8–10-year-old children participating in a team and individual sport school-based physical activity intervention

This study investigates the enjoyment and cohesion of school children participating in a school-based high-intensity physical activity (PA) intervention. Both enjoyment and cohesion have been found to be important factors for adherence to regular physical and sport activity, an important outcome of PA interventions. The sample consisted of 300 pupils (mean age: 9.3 years; 52.7% female) assigned to a team sport intervention, an individual sport intervention, or a control group for 10 months. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire were used to measure enjoyment and cohesion. The Yo-Yo IR1C test determined fitness improvements. Results showed that enjoyment and cohesion (social) measured at the beginning of the intervention significantly predict fitness improvements achieved after 10 months. No differing developmental effects over time could be found in the intervention groups with regard to cohesion and enjoyment when comparing them to the control group. However, enjoyment and cohesion (social) significantly decreased in the groups that performed individual sports. Team sports seem to be more advantageous for the development of enjoyment and cohesion, which are both factors that positively impact the health outcomes of the intervention.     

How physically literate are children today? A baseline assessment of Greek children 8-12 years of age

ABSTRACT

Developing Physical Literacy (PL) in children is considered a promising concept for establishing active lifestyle habits; yet research evidence is scarce. This study aimed at comprehensively assessing PL in 8-12-year-old Greek children. For that purpose, the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL-2) was administered to 715 children (M age = 10.2, SD = 1.3 years). Analyses of variance were applied on participants’ total, domain and individual measures scores, examining potential gender and age differences; whereas, participants’ classification and proportion across CAPL-2 interpretive categories were computed. Results revealed that there were no practically important differences (η² < .14) between boys and girls or younger (grades 3 & 4) and older children (grades 5 & 6). Greek children presented insufficient levels of PL (their total score classified them into “progressing” PL level). CAPL-2 domains and individual measures scores showed that participants were highly motivated and felt confident to participate in physical activity (PA); however, they exhibited low PA as well as unsatisfactory physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in PA. Although further research is needed for a comprehensive picture of PL correlates, our findings highlight the need for providing Greek children with ample opportunities to enhance their PL.     

A Comparison of Self-Report Scales and Accelerometer-Determined Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Scores of Finnish School Students

The current article provides an important insight into measurement differences between two commonly used self-reports and accelerometer-determined moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) scores within matched samples across 1 school year. Participants were 998 fifth- through eighth-grade students who completed self-reports and 76 fifth- and sixth-grade children with accelerometers. The Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) Research Protocol showed the higher frequency of days exceeding 60 minutes of MVPA than the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Larger proportions of children achieved the MVPA guidelines based on HBSC results (girls 16%, boys 29%), than IPAQ-SF (girls 5%, boys 11%), or accelerometers data (girls 0%, boys 0%). MVPA remained stable over 12 months on the basis of both self-report and accelerometer results. Both self-report scales presented should be used with discretion in population studies, whereas accelerometer-determined data can be more authentic when personal guidance is required.     

Domain-specific physical activity and health-related quality of life in university students

Abstract

Information on the relationship between domain-specific physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population and specific groups is still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PA in work, transport, domestic and leisure-time domains and HRQoL among university students. PA and HRQoL were assessed in a random stratified sample of 1750 university students using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – long form and 12-item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. The Spearman's rank correlations, adjusted for age, community size, personal monthly budget, body mass index, smoking habits and alcohol intake ranged from ?0.11 to 0.18 in female students and ?0.29 to 0.19 in male students. Leisure-time, domestic, transport-related PA and total PA were positively related to HRQoL. Inverse correlations with HRQoL were only found for work-related PA in male students. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only leisure-time PA was related to the Physical Summary Component score (β = 0.08 for females and β = 0.10 for males, P < 0.05). Domain-specific PA levels were not significantly related to the Mental Component Summary score. To get a more comprehensive insight in the relationship between PA and HRQoL, future studies should not only analyse total PA levels but also domain-specific PA levels. The evidence on the positive relationship of leisure-time, transport and domestic PA with HRQoL can potentially be used to support evidence-based promotion of PA in a university setting, and as a hypothesis for future longitudinal studies on such potential causal relationships.     

Validation of a short physical activity recall questionnaire completed by Spanish adolescents

Abstract

Self-report recall questionnaires are commonly used to measure physical activity in children and adolescents. However, they have been shown to have low to moderate validity, mainly due to inaccuracies in recall activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the reliability and validity of an adapted version of the Assessment of Physical Activity Levels Questionnaire (APALQ) among a sample of Spanish adolescents. Test–retest reliability of the APALQ was assessed using a sample of 150 adolescents (72 males, 78 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, who answered the APALQ twice within 7 days. Criterion validity was assessed using a sample of 77 adolescents (50 males, 27 females), aged 13.6±1.1 years, by comparing the APALQ against the Computer Science and Application (CSA) monitor. All participants were volunteers recruited from local schools in the Aragon region of Spain. Test–retest reliability for all items was high with intra-class coefficients of 0.77 for boys and 0.74 for girls. The APALQ demonstrated modest criterion validity with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.53 between Physical Activity Index (PAI) and CSA minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity, and 0.47 between PAI and CSA steps per day. When the data were analysed by gender, girls had higher correlations than boys (P < 0.01). The Spanish APALQ seems to be a valid and reliable short self-report physical activity questionnaire.