An Optimal Self-Report Physical Activity Measure for Older Adults: Does Physical Function Matter?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial for older adults' health.
• Self-report measures are practical alternatives to objective monitoring.
• Existing tools like PASE and CHAMPS need validation against objective measures in diverse older adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the validity of two self-report physical activity measures, PASE and CHAMPS, against an objective device (SWA).
• To identify the most reliable self-report tool for assessing physical activity in older adults with varying physical function levels.

Main Methods:

• 65 community-dwelling older adults participated.
• Physical activity was assessed using PASE, CHAMPS, and the SenseWear Armband (SWA) over seven days.
• Physical function was evaluated using the modified Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and a 6-m walk test.

Main Results:

• CHAMPS showed significant correlations with SWA in both higher (SPPB, gait speed) and lower (SPPB) functioning participants.
• PASE did not significantly correlate with SWA across physical function levels.
• CHAMPS demonstrated better agreement with objective physical activity measurement than PASE.

Conclusions:

• The CHAMPS questionnaire is a suitable tool for measuring physical activity in older adults across the spectrum of physical function.
• CHAMPS offers a practical and valid alternative when objective physical activity assessment is not feasible.