Validity of the international physical activity questionnaire in the Catalan population (Spain)

Objectives: To validate the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in the population of Catalonia (Spain). Methods: A convenience sample wore a uniaxial accelerometer (MTI Actigraph, Computer Science and Application's Inc.) for 7 days and completed the questionnaire, translated to Catalan. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire in measuring adherence to physical activity recommendations were also tested. Results: Valid data were obtained from 55 participants (29 women). The mean age was 40.5 years. Moderate correlations were found for total physical activity (r = 0.27; p < 0.05) and the time spent in vigorous activity (r = 0.38; p < 0.01). Sensitivity was 75% and specificity was 75% (kappa = 033). Conclusion: The short Catalan version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire had acceptable validity for the measurement of total and vigorous physical activity. This questionnaire can be used to identify adherence to physical activity recommendations in the Catalan population. (C) 2012 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.