Validity and reliability in a Flemish population of the WHO-MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity Questionnaire

Purpose: This study assessed the validity and reliability of a self-administered physical activity questionnaire used in the WHO-MONICA project, Methods: Subjects (N = 167) were physical education and physical therapy alumni. The questionnaire (MOSPA-Q) covers a I-yr period and measures the average weekly time and energy expenditure spent in one's occupation, transport-related activities, household chores, and leisure time activities. Test-retest reliability was reported as the intra-class correlation between calculated time or energy expenditure in different questionnaire items determined from two MOSPA-Q administrations. Validity was assessed using biometrical and physiological parameters as criterion measures. Results: Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.45 to 0.92 with the highest correlation coefficients obtained for the leisure time physical activities. The correlation between calculated daily total energy expenditure (TEE, Kcal d(-1)) and lean body mass was 0.53 (P < 0.001). The correlation between energy expenditure in leisure time activities (Keal wk(-1)) and (V) over dot O-2peak was 0.44. Conclusion: The MOSPA-Q provides a relatively valid and reliable estimate of physical activity.