Patient-reported physical activity questionnaires: A systematic review of content and format

Abstract

BackgroundMany patients with chronic illness are limited in their physical activities. This systematic review evaluates the content and format of patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires that measure physical activity in elderly and chronically ill populations.MethodsQuestionnaires were identified by a systematic literature search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO & CINAHL), hand searches (reference sections and PROQOLID database) and expert input. A qualitative analysis was conducted to assess the content and format of the questionnaires and a Venn diagram was produced to illustrate this. Each stage of the review process was conducted by at least two independent reviewers.Results104 questionnaires fulfilled our criteria. From these, 182 physical activity domains and 1965 items were extracted. Initial qualitative analysis of the domains found 11 categories. Further synthesis of the domains found 4 broad categories: 'physical activity related to general activities and mobility', 'physical activity related to activities of daily living', 'physical activity related to work, social or leisure time activities', and '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity'. The Venn diagram showed that no questionnaires covered all 4 categories and that the '(disease-specific) symptoms related to physical activity' category was often not combined with the other categories.ConclusionsA large number of questionnaires with a broad range of physical activity content were identified. Although the content could be broadly organised, there was no consensus on the content and format of physical activity PRO questionnaires in elderly and chronically ill populations. Nevertheless, this systematic review will help investigators to select a physical activity PRO questionnaire that best serves their research question and context.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese translation of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

“…In contrast, self-report measures enable us to determine the type of activity (e.g. leisure, household or work), the perceived difficulty and, in some instances, estimate the amount of energy expenditure [21]. Being able to quantify data through the use of self-report enables a practical and low cost (including reduced participant burden) option to capture data at a population level [22].…”

“…Being able to quantify data through the use of self-report enables a practical and low cost (including reduced participant burden) option to capture data at a population level [22]. In a recent systematic review of self-report physical activity questionnaires Williams et al [21] reported on the content and format of 104 questionnaires of which 35 were designed for use within the elderly population. Of these 35 questionnaires, 7 enabled estimation of the metabolic equivalent or energy cost and 2 were able to be selfadministered (the Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly).…”

Can health status questionnaires be used as a measure of physical activity in COPD patients?

“…Two explanations can be proposed for the very low to moderate associations observed between these questionnaires, which mainly capture symptoms and physical activity. First, none of these questionnaires use physical activity as a main concept and, thus, they are not designed to give a reliable assessment of the physical activity level [6]. The questionnaires mainly reflect symptoms that are indirectly associated with physical activity.…”

Influence of Physical Exercise on Sexual Activity: the Case of Practitioners of Physical Activities and Sports in the City of Douala

“…Sport and physical activity beyond the prevention of chronic diseases which they provide and the sexual activity that they improve, present themselves as elements of individual behavior susceptible to positively influence the health status. Hence the need of their permanent practice at all ages [23].…”