Reliability and Validity of a Physical Activity Questionnaire for Indian Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, sedentary behavior is widely prevalent in the young. Reliable and valid instruments are essential for evaluating sedentary behavior and physical activity in children and adolescents.

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of an easy to use physical activity questionnaire for children and adolescents from India.

Study design: Evaluation of a questionnaire tool.

Participants: 104 children and adolescents belonging to the age group of 10-17 years were selected using a purposive sampling technique.

Methods: The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation - Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents [MPAQ(c)] was used to assess the various dimensions of physical activity. Physical activity was also objectively assessed using accelerometer worn around the waist for five complete days. The baseline administration of MPAQ(c) was done between November and December, 2017. Reliability of MPAQ was assessed by repeat administration after 2 weeks for upto a month later. Validity of MPAQ(c) was measured against accelerometer using Spearman's correlation and Bland and Altman agreements.

Results: Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire revealed good agreement (ICC: 0.77 min/wk). Correlation coefficients (95% CI) for sedentary behavior and moderate to vigorous physical activity for MPAQ(c) against accelerometer were 0.52 (0.36, 0.64) and 0.41 (0.23, 0.55), respectively indicating moderate correlation. Good agreement was present between MPAQ(c) and accelerometer for sedentary behavior [mean bias = -4.9 (±2SD -197.1 to 187.3) min/d].

Conclusions: MPAQ(c) is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating physical activity in Indian children aged 10-17 years.