Comparison of the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire with a 7-day diary and pedometer.
OBJECTIVE
First, to validate the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LAPAQ) by a 7-day diary and a pedometer in older persons. Second, to assess the repeatability of the LAPAQ. Third, to compare the feasibility of these methods.


METHODS
The study was performed in a subsample (n=439, aged 69-92 years) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The LAPAQ was completed twice (1998/1999, 1999/2000). Respondents completed a 7-day activity diary and wore a pedometer for 7 days (1999/2000).


RESULTS
The LAPAQ was highly correlated with the 7-day diary (r=0.68, P<.001), and moderately with the pedometer (r=0.56, P<.001). The repeatability of the LAPAQ was reasonably good (weighted kappa: 0.65-0.75). The LAPAQ was completed in 5.7+/-2.7 min, and 0.5% of the respondents had missing values.


CONCLUSIONS
The LAPAQ appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for classifying physical activity in older people. The LAPAQ was easier to use than the 7-day diary and pedometer.
Stel
Vianda S
VS
Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine (EMGO Institute), VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Smit
Johannes H
JH
Pluijm
Saskia M F
SM
Visser
Marjolein
M
Deeg
Dorly J H
DJ
Lips
Paul
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation; D009043:Motor Activity