Convergent Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults: The New Member of the PAQ Family

Abstract

Background:To accommodate the need for longitudinal physical activity research, we developed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (PAQ-AD). The PAQ-AD is an adult version of the PAQ-C and PAQ-A questionnaires which were developed for older children and adolescents, respectively.Methods:Two studies assessed the convergent validity of the PAQ-AD using a series of self-report tools and direct measurement of physical activity.Results:In the first sample (N = 247), the PAQ-AD was significantly related to a series of self-report tools (r = 0.53 to 0.64). In the second sample (N = 184), the PAQ-AD was significantly related to the self-report tools (r = 0.56 to 0.63), a physical activity recall interview (r = 0.24), and to direct measurements of physical activity (r = 0.26 to 0.43).Conclusion:These results provide preliminary validity evidence for the PAQ-AD and suggest the PAQ “family” of questionnaires might be advantageous for longitudinal research assessing physical activity from childhood to adulthood.

Higher premenarcheal bone mass in elite gymnasts is maintained into young adulthood after long-term retirement from sport: A 14-year follow-up

“…There is always the possibility for reporting errors when self-report is utilized; however, both questionnaires have been previously validated for use in such populations. (28)(29)(30) Finally, assessment of bone mineral content with exercise studies is limited because important changes in the structural properties of bone may occur and go undetected. (47) Both young and retired female gymnasts have been found to have site-specific cortical and trabecular structural advantages, resulting in estimated strength benefits of 14% to 38% in the upper extremity and 5% to 14% in the lower extremity compared with nongymnasts.…”

“…The PAQ-C/ AD are self-administered 7-day recall questionnaires created to assess general levels of physical activity. (28)(29)(30) The total activity score on the PAQ-C/AD is calculated as the mean of seven items (each scored on a five-point scale) with five representing high activity and one representing low activity. Calcium and vitamin D intakes were assessed through the use of a 24-hour recall questionnaire at both measurement points.…”

Adolescent Physical Activity and Bone Strength at the Proximal Femurin Adulthood

“…In adulthood, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (PAQ-AD), a seven-item version of the PAQ-C/A, was used; again, individual PA was scored on a five-point scale. The PAQ-C/A/AD have been previously reported to be a valid and reliable measure of PA levels in children, adolescents, and adults (13,24,29).…”

Dietary and Total Calcium Intakes Are Associated with Lower Percentage Total Body and Truncal Fat in Young, Healthy Adults

“…By having analyzed dairy, dietary, nondairy dietary, and total calcium intakes, we were also able to investigate source-specific influences of calcium on body composition. The PAQ-AD used in our study offered a comprehensive physical activity score, inquiring about activities ranging from weight training to aerobics to heavy yard work [18], and it allowed us to test for physical activity scores as a possible confounder in the relationship between calcium intakes and body composition.…”

“…All calcium intakes are reported as mg/d. Subjects in one study completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (PAQ-AD) [18]; physical activity scores were thus collected and analyzed from this subset (n ¼ 167). The total activity score on the PAQ-AD over the preceding 7 days was calculated as the mean of 7 items.…”