Open-source code for analysis of the lifetime total physical activity questionnaire (LTPAQ)

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Understanding lifetime physical activity's health impact requires robust data analysis.
• Existing tools for the Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPAQ) have limitations for users with limited programming expertise.
• Standardized processing of longitudinal physical activity data is crucial for advancing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an open-source MATLAB code to simplify the processing and analysis of LTPAQ data.
• To enhance data handling efficiency and comparability across studies utilizing the LTPAQ.
• To overcome the scoring complexities of the LTPAQ and promote a standardized methodology.

Main Methods:

• Development of an open-source MATLAB code for LTPAQ data analysis.
• Implementation of a user-friendly interface interacting with Microsoft Excel for data input and organization.
• Automation of data handling processes for increased efficiency and adaptability.

Main Results:

• The developed MATLAB code automates LTPAQ data processing, improving efficiency.
• The tool provides a user-friendly interface compatible with Microsoft Excel.
• The code aims to overcome LTPAQ scoring complexities, facilitating broader research application.

Conclusions:

• The open-source MATLAB code offers a standardized and efficient method for analyzing LTPAQ data.
• This tool is expected to increase the application of the LTPAQ in epidemiological studies.
• Facilitating physical activity data analysis will foster insights into lifestyle impacts and inform public health policies.