RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF 3 PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRES IN FLEMISH MALES

The reliability and validity of three physical activity questionnaires were studied using 90 Flemish males (30 aged 30 years, 30 aged 35 yea rs, and 30 aged 40 years). Intraclass correlations (R) and kappa value s were calculated to verify within judge and between judges reliabilit y (objectivity) and test-retest reliability (stability) of the Tecumse h Community Health Study Questionnaire, the Five City Project Question naire, and the Baecke Questionnaire. Results showed high for within ju dge and between judges reliability, R coefficients for stability varie d between 0.47 and 0.95. Kappa values varied between 0.20 and 0.73. Co ncurrent validity was investigated by comparing three levels of profes sional status, Workmen had higher indices concerning physical activity during work than clerks and managers. Congruent validity, studied by means of principal-components analysis, confirmed subdivision of habit ual physical activity into three entities, physical activity during wo rk, sports activities, and general leisure time. These results indicat e that reliable and valid data can be obtained in Flemish males by thr ee interviewer-assisted physical activity questionnaires.