Validity and reliability in a Flemish population of the WHO-MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity Questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the validity and reliability of a self-administered physical activity questionnaire used in the WHO-MONICA project.

Methods: Subjects (N = 167) were physical education and physical therapy alumni. The questionnaire (MOSPA-Q) covers a 1-yr period and measures the average weekly time and energy expenditure spent in one's occupation, transport-related activities, household chores, and leisure time activities. Test-retest reliability was reported as the intra-class correlation between calculated time or energy expenditure in different questionnaire items determined from two MOSPA-Q administrations. Validity was assessed using biometrical and physiological parameters as criterion measures.

Results: Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.45 to 0.92 with the highest correlation coefficients obtained for the leisure time physical activities. The correlation between calculated daily total energy expenditure (TEE, Kcal.d-1) and lean body mass was 0.53 (P < 0.001). The correlation between energy expenditure in leisure time activities (Kcal.wk-1) and VO2peak was 0.44.

Conclusions: The MOSPA-Q provides a relatively valid and reliable estimate of physical activity.