Validity of a single question to assess habitual physical activity of community‐dwelling older people

Abstract

Short running head:Single question on habitual physical activity 2 Validity of a single question to assess habitual physical activity of community-dwelling older peopleThe aim is to determine concurrent validity of a single self-report habitual physical activity (PA) question against accelerometer-based PA and mobility variables, and corresponding changes in self-reported PA and mobility. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data of the "Lifespace mobility in old age" (LISPE) cohort and its substudy on PA were utilized. At baseline 848 community-dwelling, 75-90-years-old people living independently in central Finland participated in home-based interviews. One and two years later, 816 and 761 of them were reassessed by phone, respectively. Tri-axial accelerometer data over seven days was collected following the baseline assessments in a subsample of 174. Self-reported habitual PA was assessed based on intensity and duration using a single question with seven response options (range: mostly resting -competitive sports). Mobility variables were: life-space mobility, walking difficulty over 500m, and short physical performance battery. Statistically significant correlations were found between self-reported habitual PA and mobility (Spearman correlation coefficient Rs=0.40-0.61) and accelerometer-based PA variables (step counts (Rs=0.49), time in moderate (Rs=0.49) and low intensity (Rs=0.40) PA, and time in sedentary behavior (Rs=-0.28)). A decline in self-reported habitual PA over time was associated with 5-10p decline in life-space mobility (PA improvement with 0-3p increase) and with developing a higher degree of walking difficulty (in 35-44% of participants). In conclusion, based on these results, the self-report question to assess habitual PA is valid and responsive to change and thus useful for epidemiological research in community-dwelling older people, also in follow-up studies.

Motivational characteristics and resistance training in older adults: A randomized controlled trial and 1‐year follow‐up

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Muscle and bone mass in middle‐aged women: role of menopausal status and physical activity

“…Current level of leisure‐time physical activity (PA) was assessed by a questionnaire with a seven‐point scale ranging from household chores to competitive sports . A similar scale has been validated against accelerometer‐based physical activity and mobility variables . Specifically, the response categories were (1) no activity exceeding activities of daily living, (2) light walking or outdoor activity one to two times per week, (3) light walking or outdoor activity several times per week, (4) brisk physical activity causing some decree of sweating and breathlessness one to two times per week, (5) brisk physical activity causing some degree of sweating and breathlessness several times per week, (6) physical activity causing sweating and rather strong shortness of breath several times per week, and (7) competitive sports and related training.…”

Physical Limitations, Walkability, Perceived Environmental Facilitators and Physical Activity of Older Adults in Finland

“…Self-reported physical activity was assessed using a seven-point scale combining frequency and intensity of common physical activities [26]. Participants were categorized into at most light physical activity (at most light housework or gardening and short walks once or twice a week), moderate physical activity (at least moderate physical activity <3 h/week), and regular physical activity (moderate physical activity ≥4 h/week or strenuous physical activity).…”

“…Participants were categorized into at most light physical activity (at most light housework or gardening and short walks once or twice a week), moderate physical activity (at least moderate physical activity <3 h/week), and regular physical activity (moderate physical activity ≥4 h/week or strenuous physical activity). The self-reported physical activity scale and its categorization have shown to have concurrent validity with accelerometer assessed step counts and different measures of mobility [26]. …”