Adaptation of the Modified Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (Baecke) to the portuguese population

Abstract

Theoretical Framework: The use of questionnaires to assess physical activity has become widespread in recent years. Objectives: To contribute to a modified version of the Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (Baecke) to the portuguese population; describe the linguistic adaptation process of the questionnaire and analyse its psychometric properties; assess the level of physical activity; and analyse the relationship between the socio-demographic variables and the level of physical activity. Methodology: Items were independently translated and back-translated and a first version of the questionnaire was applied in a pilot study, resulting in a consensus version. The portuguese version was administered to a convenience sample, with 339 adults in the community, aged between 23 and 60 years, both female (69.9%) and male (30.1%). Results: The portuguese version was found to have satisfactory psychometric qualities, which were identical to those of the original questionnaire. It is a short instrument, easily understood and well accepted by participants. Conclusion: The application of this questionnaire allows for an initial assessment of the level of physical activity in leisure time to support the planning of interventions promoting physical activity.