Subjective versus Objective Measure of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Convergent Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)

Danilo Marasso, Corrado Lupo, Simone Collura, Alberto Rainoldi and Paolo Riccardo Brustio
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Danilo Marasso: School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
Corrado Lupo: NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10143 Turin, Italy
Simone Collura: School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
Alberto Rainoldi: NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10143 Turin, Italy
Paolo Riccardo Brustio: NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences (SUISM), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10143 Turin, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: This study aimed to highlight the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as assessed by accelerometer devices and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to estimate the convergent validity of the questionnaire. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were applied by collecting pertinent studies (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS) from 1997 until November 2020. The relationship between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was estimated considering correlation coefficients such as the effect size. Fisher’s transformation was used to convert each correlation coefficient into an approximately normal distribution. The pooled correlations between PAQ-C and MVPA scores were measured by r values after converting the Fisher’s z values back into correlation coefficients for presentation. A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and a random effects model was adopted. The pooled correlation between PAQ-C and MVPA scores was significant but with a moderate effect size (r = 0.34 [0.29, 0.39], Z = 15.00, p < 0.001). No heterogeneity among the studies was observed (I 2 < 25%). In conclusion, the results highlighted a moderate relationship (around 0.30–0.40) between PAQ-C and accelerometer measurements. These results suggested to concurrently administer both tools to reach a more comprehensive description of children’s PA, in terms of quality and quantity.

Keywords: PA; MVPA; accelerometer; questionnaire; children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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