Development and initial validation of the Morningness-Eveningness Exercise Preference Questionnaire (MEEPQ) in...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding diurnal physical activity (PA) preferences is crucial for promoting consistent exercise habits.
• Existing tools may not adequately capture the nuances of morning versus evening activity preferences, particularly in specific populations like university students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a convenient questionnaire, the Morningness-eveningness Exercise Preference Questionnaire (MEEPQ), for assessing diurnal PA preferences in Japanese university students.
• To evaluate the internal consistency, construct validity, external validity, and test-retest reliability of the MEEPQ.

Main Methods:

• A 30-item questionnaire (MEEPQ) using a 5-point Likert scale was administered to 219 Japanese university students.
• Internal consistency, construct validity (factor analysis), and test-retest reliability were assessed.
• External validity was examined by correlating MEEPQ scores with objectively measured PA levels using accelerometers over seven days.

Main Results:

• The MEEPQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.896) and construct validity (KMO = 0.913 morning, 0.875 evening).
• Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure: Physical Wellness (MEEPQ-W), Psychological Well-Being (MEEPQ-P), and Exercise Barrier (MEEPQ-B).
• MEEPQ scores showed significant positive associations with objectively measured PA at corresponding times of day, indicating good external validity.

Conclusions:

• The MEEPQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing diurnal physical activity preferences in Japanese university students.
• The questionnaire's factors (Physical Wellness, Psychological Well-Being, Exercise Barrier) provide insight into morning or evening activity preferences.
• The MEEPQ's findings support its utility in research and potentially in interventions aimed at optimizing PA timing for university students.