Comparison of the traditional paper visual analogue scale questionnaire with an Apple Newton electronic appetite rating system (EARS) in free living subjects feeding ad libitum

Abstract

Objective: Assessing the value of a newly developed electronic visual analogue scale questionnaire (Apple Newton Message Pad) with the traditional paper method for appetite rating. Design: In a random, crossover design, subjects completed both electronic and paper questionnaires to compare results obtained by the two methods; individual methods were completed consecutively to assess test-retest reliability; preference was established using a questionnaire. Setting/Subjects: Healthy, free-living adults were studied for comparison of methods (n 12), test-retest reliability (n 8) and preference (n 13). Intervention: Visual analogue scales were completed each waking hour to assess appetite. Preference was assessed after both methods were completed. Results: There was no signi®cant difference in the hourly results obtained by the paper and electronic methods for`desire to eat',`how much can you eat now',`urge to eat' and`preoccupation with thoughts of food'. Small differences in`hunger' and`fullness' ratings were noted ( $ 5% mean difference between methods, P`0.05), but patterns of change and sensitivity for these and all other parameters remained similar for both methods across the visual analogue scale. Test-retest reliability demonstrated was similar for both methods. Seven (54%) subjects preferred to use the paper questionnaire, ®ve (38%) the electronic method and one (8%) had no preference. Conclusions: The electronic Apple Newton questionnaire is as sensitive and reliable as the paper method, has the advantage that it automatically records the time of data acquisition and data collection and processing are more ef®cient for the researcher. The two methods should not be used interchangeably.

The effect of a medium-term activity- and diet-induced energy deficit on subjective appetite sensations in obese children

“…The use of electronic monitoring of VAS has been validated and is well established. 32,33 The EARS has been used to continuously monitor subjective states in laboratory-based appetite studies (e.g., King et al 16 ) and in clinical studies using renal and obese patients (e.g., Wright et al, 34,35 Naslund et al 36 ). The EARS uses a handheld Psion computer to administer the VAS.…”

Effect of ileal fat perfusion on satiety and hormone release in healthy volunteers

“…16 This scale was anchored at the low end with the most negative or lowest intensity feelings (for example, 'extremely unpleasant', 'not at all'), and with opposing terms at the high end (for example, 'extremely pleasant', 'very high', 'extreme') as described by Flint et al 17 Measurements were taken during the test day every 30 min from t ¼ 0-240 min, and every 15 min during infusion of emulsion (t ¼ 105-150 min).…”

Effect of altering the variety of sensorially distinct foods, of the same macronutrient content, on food intake and body weight in men

“…The data were collected using an electronic diary card (Apple Newton, Apple Computer Inc. Cupertino, California) as described by Stratton et al (1998). The questionnaire comprised six questions each corresponding to a 66 mm line divided into 100 points the computer could interpret.…”