An evaluation of three self-report physical activity instruments for olderadults

Purpose: To assess the known-groups and construct validity of measures from the CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Survey for t he Elderly BASE), and the Yale. Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). Methods: T he three questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of older adults (N = 87) recruited from community centers and retirement homes. Vali dation measures included the SF-36 measures of physical Functioning general health, mental health, and pain; body mass index; performance-based tests of lower body functioning and endurance; and Mini-Logger activity monitor d ata from ankle and waist sensors. Validity was estimated by testing hypothe ses about associations between physical activity and validation measures. R esults: As hypothesized, differences in activity levels on all measures wer e found between older adults in retirement homes (less active) and communit y centers (more active) (P-values < 0.0001). Correlations of physical activ ity measures with performance-based measures ranged from 0.44 to 0.68, conf orming to hypotheses; hypotheses regarding associations with the SF-36 meas ures were also confirmed. Body mass index was not correlated with any of th e physical activity measures, contrary to hypotheses. Correlations of physi cal activity measures with Mini-Logger counts ranged from 0.36 to 0.59 (ank le) and 0.42 to 0.61 (waist) as hypothesized. Correlations among the measur es from the three instruments ranged from 0.58 to 0.68. Conclusions: The PA SE, YPAS, and CHAMPS each demonstrated acceptable validity, as all measures met nearly all hypotheses. Higher validity coefficients were found for sub groups (men, 65-74 yr, retirement home), suggesting that these instruments may perform better for certain segments of the older adult population.