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Reliability and validity of self-reported physical activity in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2)

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Abstract

Background

To validate the physical activity (PA) questionnaire in Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2).

Methods

The questionnaire was administered twice to a random sample of 108 men aged 20–39 and validity by comparing results with VO2max and ActiReg, measuring PA and energy expenditure and with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results

Spearman correlation coefficients indicated poor and moderate significant agreement by test-retest (light activity, = 0.17, and hard activity, = 0.50). We found a moderate significant correlation = 0.46 (p ≤ 0.01) between hard PA and VO2max and n.s for light activity (= −03). Metabolic equivalent (METs) values 6+ from ActiReg most strongly correlated with hard PA = 0.31 (p ≤ 0.01), though associations of other measures obtained from ActiReg with questionnaire measures were weaker. Occupational activity was strongest correlated for METs 3–6 = 0.48 (p ≤ 0.01) by ActiReg.

Conclusions

The HUNT 2 question for “hard” LTPA has acceptable repeatability and appears to be a reasonably valid measure of vigorous activity, as reflected in moderate correlations with several other measures including VO2max, and with corresponding results from IPAQ and ActiReg. The HUNT 2 question on occupational activity had good repeatability and appears to best reflect time spent in moderate activity, with moderate associations with measured time at intermediate intensity levels. The “light” activity question from HUNT 2 had poor reproducibility and did not correlate well with most of the comparison measures. Thus, the “hard” PA and the occupational activity question should be useful measures of vigorous PA, if time and space allow only very brief assessment. The utility of the “light” PA questions remains to be established.

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Acknowledgements

The Faculty of medicine, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) supported this study by a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship. The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT Study) was collaboration between HUNT Research Centre, Verdal and Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, The National Institute of Public Health, The National Screening Service of Norway, Oslo and The Nord-Trøndelag County, Council. The VO2max test was completed at the University College of Nord-Trøndelag.

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Correspondence to Nanna Kurtze.

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Kurtze, N., Rangul, V., Hustvedt, BE. et al. Reliability and validity of self-reported physical activity in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2). Eur J Epidemiol 22, 379–387 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-007-9110-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-007-9110-9

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