Construct validity of the international physical activity questionnaire in Spanish university students

Abstract

This study aimed at providing information regarding the construct validity of the short Spanish adapted version of the IPAQ questionnaire, using physical fitness as a comparison variable. A total of 64 university students (75% men) responded to the IPAQ and carried out cardiovascular, strength, agility and flexibility fitness tests, during three years. Significant and sustained correlations were found between the estimated total amount of physical activity performed per week and the fitness dimensions tested,with the exception of flexibility. Sustained and significant correlations were also observed between the vigorous physical activity category, the sitting time variableand several fitness dimensions. The obtained results report positively on the construct validity of the short version of the IPAQ questionnaire, although there is some tendency to over report the amount of physical activity performed when it is administered. In this regard, future studies including heterogeneous samples are needed.