The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Overestimates Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity in HIV-Infected Individuals Compared With Accelerometry

This study evaluates the validity of the last-7-day, self-administered version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form in HIV-infected people, using accelerometry as the objective criterion. The ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer was worn during all waking hours for 7 days, and the IPAQ was completed on day 7. A total of 30 men were recruited as participants from the Alfred Infectious Disease Clinic, Melbourne, Australia. Self-reported total number of metabolic equivalents minutes per week correlated moderately with accelerometer total activity counts (r =.41, p =.02). However, mean differences showed overreporting with the questionnaire; 546.63 min/wk (95% confidence interval: 217.1-871.2 minutes) for moderate and 295.33 min/wk (95% confidence interval: 88.08-502.6 minutes) for vigorous activity. The IPAQ correlated with accelerometry, but substantial overreporting occurred. The tool may be useful in screening physical activity but should not be used to determine precise levels.

Key words: HIV, international physical activity questionnaire, validity