Continuous Scores MET Values and Formula for Computation of MET-minutesweek Categorical Score

25 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. 26 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