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PROTOCOL FOR IPAQ SHORT FORM
1.1 Continuous Scores
Median values and interquartile ranges can be computed for walking W, moderateintensity activities M, vigorous-intensity activities V and a combined
total physical activity score. All continuous scores are expressed in MET- minutesweek as defined below.
1.2 MET Values and Formula for Computation of MET-minutesweek
The selected MET values were derived from work undertaken during the IPAQ Reliability Study undertaken in 2000-20013. Using the Ainsworth et al.
Compendium Med Sci Sports Med 2000 an average MET score was derived for each type of activity. For example; all types of walking were included and an
average MET value for walking was created. The same procedure was undertaken for moderate-intensity activities and vigorous-intensity activities. The
following values continue to be used for the analysis of IPAQ data: Walking = 3.3 METs, Moderate PA = 4.0 METs and Vigorous PA = 8.0 METs. Using these
values, four continuous scores are defined:
1.3 Categorical Score
Category 1 Low
This is the lowest level of physical activity. Those individuals who not meet criteria for Categories 2 or 3 are considered to have a ‘low’ physical activity level.
Walking MET-minutesweek = 3.3walking minuteswalking days Moderate MET-minutesweek = 4.0moderate-intensity activity minutesmoderate days
Vigorous MET-minutesweek = 8.0vigorous-intensity activity minutesvigorous-intensity days Total physical activity MET-minutesweek = sum of Walking + Moderate + Vigorous
METminutesweek scores.
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Category 2 Moderate
The pattern of activity to be classified as ‘moderate’ is either of the following criteria:
a 3 or more days of vigorous-intensity activity of at least 20 minutes per day
OR
b 5 or more days of moderate-intensity activity andor walking of at least 30
minutes per day
OR
c 5 or more days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity or
vigorous intensity activities achieving a minimum Total physical activity of at least 600 MET-minutesweek.
Individuals meeting at least one of the above criteria would be defined as accumulating a minimum level of activity and therefore be classified as
‘moderate’.
Category 3 High
A separate category labelled ‘high’ can be computed to describe higher levels of participation. The two criteria for classification as ‘high’ are:
a vigorous-intensity activity on at least 3 days achieving a minimum Total
physical activity of at least 1500 MET-minutesweek
OR
b 7 or more days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity or
vigorous-intensity activities achieving a minimum Total physical activity of at least 3000 MET-minutesweek.
1.4 Sitting Question in IPAQ Short Form