On the use of a six-level scale for physical activity

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Gerontology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• The original 4-level physical activity (PA) questionnaire by Saltin and Grimby has been adapted and expanded.
• Modified versions now include 6 or 7 levels, incorporating household activities and tailored for the elderly or those with low PA.
• Distinct versions exist for Nordic countries (Swedish, Danish, Norwegian) and Finland, with the latter featuring further modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the predictive validity of the extended PA questionnaire for mortality and physical performance.
• To assess the concurrent validity of a Finnish version against accelerometer-based PA measures.
• To explore the questionnaire's application in intervention studies and population descriptions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature demonstrating the questionnaire's predictive and concurrent validity.
• Analysis of studies utilizing the questionnaire for intervention effects and PA level descriptions.
• Comparison of different versions of the questionnaire and their data analysis approaches.

Main Results:

• The extended PA questionnaire demonstrates predictive validity for mortality and physical performance.
• Significant correlations were found between a Finnish version and accelerometer-based PA data, supporting concurrent validity.
• The questionnaire has been instrumental in evaluating interventions and characterizing PA levels in various cohorts.

Conclusions:

• The physical activity questionnaire, in its extended forms, is a valuable tool for assessing PA, predicting health outcomes, and evaluating interventions.
• Differences between questionnaire versions limit direct comparison of validity studies.
• A consensus on the questionnaire's detailed structure is recommended for improved standardization and comparability across studies.