24462117

PMC4184999

Objective

This study explored the criterion-related validity and test-retest reliability of the modified RESIDential Enviroment (RESIDE) physical activity questionnaire and whether the instrument’s validity varied by body mass index (BMI), education, race/ethnicity, or employment status.

Design

Validation study using baseline data collected for randomized trial of a weight loss intervention.

Method

Participants recruited from health departments wore an ActiGraph accelerometer and self-reported non-occupational walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity on the modified RESIDE questionnaire. We assessed validity (n=152) using Spearman correlation coefficients (SCC), and reliability (n=57) using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

When compared to steps, moderate physical activity, and bouts of moderate/vigorous physical activity measured by accelerometer, these questionnaire measures showed fair evidence for validity: recreational walking (SCC 0.23–0.36), total walking (SCC 0.24–0.37), and total moderate physical activity (SCC 0.18–0.36). Correlations for self-reported walking and moderate physical activity were higher among unemployed participants and women with lower BMIs. Generally no other variability in the validity of the instrument was found. Evidence for reliability of RESIDE measures of recreational walking, total walking, and total moderate physical activity was substantial (ICC 0.56–0.68).

Conclusions

Evidence for questionnaire validity and reliability varied by activity domain and was strongest for walking measures. The questionnaire may capture physical activity less accurately among women with higher BMIs and employed participants. Capturing occupational activity, specifically walking at work, may improve questionnaire validity.

CDC Public Access

5R18DP001144/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States
KL2 TR000126/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States
P30 DK093002/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States
T32 HL007055/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States
U48/DP000059/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States
UL1 TR000127/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States