To Identify and Compare ActivPAL Objectively Measured Activity Levels With Self-Reported Activity From the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in Older Adults With Intellectual Disability

BackgroundThe positive impact of physical activity on health is widely known. A comparison between activPAL objective measures and International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) self-reported activity levels was completed with older adults with intellectual disability. Understanding differences between the two methodologies will better support the interpretations of findings and recommendations.MethodsActivPAL measures including intensity, time and type were considered for 72 participants. Similarly, the IPAQ-determined measures were investigated. Implications of different numbers of activPAL valid days were considered. Comparisons between the activPAL and IPAQ-SF scores were examined using multiple correlation coefficients.ResultsLow to moderate agreement was found between the activPAL and IPAQ-SF using Spearman's Rho and Pearson's correlation coefficients.ConclusionsThe IPAQ-SF may not be the optimal tool for the accurate determination of activity levels in this population.