Reliability and validity of a self-administered Arabic version of the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ-A).

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of the Arabic language version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ-A). Additionally, the study assessed criterion validity of the instrument.

METHODS: Emirati university students (n=93) were asked to complete the GPAQ-A on two occasions (7 days apart). A subset of 48 participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days after which they completed the GPAQ-A.

RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of the GPAQ-A was acceptable for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (ρ = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.86), moderate physical activity (MPA) (ρ = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.82) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (ρ = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.76). Test-retest reliability of the single item sedentary behaviour (SB) measure was less promising (ρ = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.64). Criterion validity of the MVPA measure was fair (ρ = 0.23; 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS: Test-retest reliability for the GPAQ-A was acceptable to assess physical activity (PA) but less promising for SB. Criterion validity of the PA measures was fair. Additional work is needed to develop robust measures of PA and SB in this population.