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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
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Public Perceptions on the Use of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.
Anantharaman Venkataraman1, Ian Zhirui Hong1, Lisa Cuiying Ho2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Emergency Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 14, 2024
Summary
The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) may over-identify individuals needing medical evaluation for physical activity. Many users found the PAR-Q+ wordy and difficult to understand, suggesting improvements are needed.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
- Health Screening
Background:
- Self-administered pre-participation screening for physical activity (PA) is crucial for identifying high-risk individuals.
- The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) is a widely used tool, but its usability and accuracy in identifying individuals unfit for PA require assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate at which the PAR-Q+ identifies adults potentially unfit for moderate or intense PA.
- To gather user feedback on the PAR-Q+'s ease of use and clarity.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, cross-sectional study involving 1019 members of the public.
- Participants completed the PAR-Q+, provided bio-characteristics, and offered feedback on the questionnaire's clarity and usability.
Main Results:
- Approximately 33.1% of participants using the PAR-Q+ would require further medical evaluation.
- Only 4 out of 7 main PAR-Q+ questions were easily understood; 21 follow-up questions posed difficulties, particularly for those with co-morbidities.
- Participants cited wordiness and technical jargon as major concerns, indicating potential over-identification of individuals needing medical clearance.
Conclusions:
- The PAR-Q+ may over-identify individuals requiring medical evaluation.
- Improvements in question wording, reduction of technical terms, and simplification are suggested to enhance the PAR-Q+'s understandability and usability for diverse populations.
