Validation of physical activity recall questionnaire and log using doubly-labelled water in Sri Lankan children

Valid and cost-effective approaches are essential to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviours in individuals of all ages. This study aimed to validate a physical activity recall questionnaire (PAR-Q) and a physical activity log against the doubly labelled water (DLW) technique in 11-13-year-old Sri Lankan children.

Total energy expenditure (TEE) was determined using the criterion DLW technique (TEE_DLW) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE_DLW) was estimated. Subsequently, physical activity assessment methods were validated in a group of children (n = 79). PAR-Q was adapted from the adolescent physical activity questionnaire and the physical activity log from the Bouchard activity diary. The youth physical activity compendium was used to calculate PAEE from both PAR-Q (PAEE_PAR-Q) and activity log (PAEE_PALog). Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analyses.

Mean age of the study sample was 12.0 ± 0.8 years where the greater proportion were males (51.9%, n = 41). PAEE_PAR-Q and PAEE_PALog were significantly correlated with the PAEE_DLW (r = 0.69 and r = 0.49, p < 0.05). PAR-Q underestimated PAEE by 230.1 ± 1071.1 kJ/day. Physical activity log overestimated PAEE by 14.6 ± 1283.2 kJ/day; for unit increase in the mean of the two measurements, the difference between the measurements increased by 0.48 (R² = 0.16, p < 0.001).

PAR-Q is a valid tool for predicting PAEE in Sri Lankan children whereas the physical activity log was not. Researchers and practitioners can confidently use the PAR-Q to assess physical activity in this population, with potential applications in various research and intervention settings.