Validation of the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire using doubly labeled water

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Nutritional science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) are crucial for estimating energy expenditure in large-scale studies.
• Validation of PAQs using doubly labeled water (DLW) is limited, especially in diverse female populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire (AAFQ) for estimating total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE).
• To compare AAFQ estimates with DLW measurements over a 1-month period.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-five sedentary women completed the AAFQ.
• Total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured using an 8-day DLW protocol.
• PAEE was estimated from AAFQ using different methods: Mifflin et al. equation (AAFQmif), indirect calorimetry (AAFQic), and MET conversion (AAFQmet).

Main Results:

• DLW measurements showed mean TEE of 9847 kJ/day and PAEE of 5578 kJ/day.
• AAFQmif tended to underestimate PAEE by 13%, potentially due to low lean body mass.
• A predictive equation was developed: TEE = (86.0 * average total daily METs) + (2.23 * RMRmif) - 6726.
• The predictive equation showed a strong correlation with DLW TEE (adjusted r² = 0.70, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire (AAFQ) is a validated and effective tool for predicting TEE and PAEE.
• The AAFQ demonstrates utility for epidemiological studies involving women.