Validity of the international physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF): A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThe International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) has been recommended as a cost-effective method to assess physical activity. Several studies validating the IPAQ-SF have been conducted with differing results, but no systematic review of these studies has been reported.MethodsThe keywords "IPAQ", "validation", and "validity" were searched in PubMed and Scopus. Studies published in English that validated the IPAQ-SF against an objective physical activity measuring device, doubly labeled water, or an objective fitness measure were included.ResultsTwenty-three validation studies were included in this review. There was a great deal of variability in the methods used across studies, but the results were largely similar. Correlations between the total physical activity level measured by the IPAQ-SF and objective standards ranged from 0.09 to 0.39; none reached the minimal acceptable standard in the literature (0.50 for objective activity measuring devices, 0.40 for fitness measures). Correlations between sections of the IPAQ-SF for vigorous activity or moderate activity level/walking and an objective standard showed even greater variability (-0.18 to 0.76), yet several reached the minimal acceptable standard. Only six studies provided comparisons between physical activity levels derived from the IPAQ-SF and those obtained from objective criterion. In most studies the IPAQ-SF overestimated physical activity level by 36 to 173 percent; one study underestimated by 28 percent.ConclusionsThe correlation between the IPAQ-SF and objective measures of activity or fitness in the large majority of studies was lower than the acceptable standard. Furthermore, the IPAQ-SF typically overestimated physical activity as measured by objective criterion by an average of 84 percent. Hence, the evidence to support the use of the IPAQ-SF as an indicator of relative or absolute physical activity is weak.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity Program Use Among Older Adults

“…20 The reported activity levels among our sample may in part be an overestimate-a wellknown limitation of the IPAQ instrument. [59][60][61] Additionally, the very nature of the focus group topic may have attracted participants who are relatively more aware of and motivated by their knowledge of the importance of PA. However, we did have a number of people who did not meet PA guidelines and whose opinions were represented in our results.…”

Modificaciones en el nivel de anión superóxido en leche materna, según la ingesta de flavonoides y carotenoides

“…13 Los datos fueron recolectados de forma directa a través de un cuestionario estructurado y validado, que incluía la ingesta alimentaria habitual. 4,14 Los alimentos, nutrientes y fitoquímicos consumidos fueron cuantificados con el programa Interfood, basado en las tablas de composición química de los alimentos Latinfoods-Argenfoods, de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación y Nutrient Data Laboratory, del Servicio Estadounidense de Investigación Agrícola.…”

Tabagismo, consumo de álcool e atividade física: associações na síndrome coronariana aguda

“…The absolute intensity of physical activity reflects the rate of energy expenditure during exercise and is expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs), where 1 MET equals the resting metabolic rate of approximately 3.5 mL O 2 /kg/min. (10) We considered the energy expenditure in METs for each activity that composed the five domains. After calculating the energy expenditure of each domain, the values of each individual were summed up, and the results enabled us to stratify the patient as very active, active, irregularly active and sedentary.…”