Self-reported Physical Activity And Differences In Maximal Oxygen Uptake, Waist Circumference And Accelerometer-measured Physical Activity

Background: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is one of the most widely used questionnaires to assess self-reported physical activity (PA). However, few studies have compared IPAQ-data with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), waist circumference (WC) and accelerometer-measured PA, which all are significant predictors of health risks.

Purpose: To determine the difference in VO2 max, WC and accelerometer measured PA in individuals with a low, moderate and highlevel of self-reported PA, obtained using the IPAQ.

Methods: A sample of 3137 individuals (1685 women), with an age of 49.1±14.8 (mean±SD) years participated. Self-reported PA was measured by answering the IPAQ short version. Objectively measured PA was assessed over seven consecutive days using the Actigraph GT1M accelerometer. VO2 max was directly measured in 735 individuals using a graded treadmill test to exhaustion. WC was measured between the lower rib and the iliac crest.

Results: The participants were categorized into three PA levels (low, moderate and high) according to the IPAQ scoring criteria. VO2 max, WC and accelerometer measured PA for individuals within these categories are shown in table 1. Men with a high PA level had a 10% higher VO2 max, 3% smaller WC and 15% more daily counts/min than men reporting a low PA-level (p<0.05). Women with a high PA level had a 13% higher VO2 max, 7% smaller WC and 7% more daily counts/min that women reporting a low PA-level (p<0.01). Less homogeneous results were found comparing individuals reporting a low and moderate PA- level.

Conclusions: The IPAQ instrument is only able to detect significant differences in both VO2 max, WC and accelerometer measured PA between individuals reporting a low and high PA level.