Effect of Item Order on Physical Activity Estimates Using the IPAQ

Objective: To investigate the effect of item order on physical activity (PA) estimates using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short form (last 7 day) telephone interview (IPAQ-S7T). Method: The IPAQ-S7T was conducted for Time 1 (Hawai`i) and sample 1 (Belgium). Then item order was reversed for Times 2, 3 (Hawai`i), and sample 2 (Belgium). Results: In Hawai`i, vigorous activity levels were higher, walking levels lower for Time 1, compared to Times 2 and 3. Moderate activity was higher at Time 1 than Time 3. The Belgium study reported higher levels of vigorous activity for sample 1, compared to sample 2. Total volume of PA across time points was unchanged for the Hawai`i study, but decreased with reversed items in the Belgium study. Conclusion: Item ordering affects the levels and duration of reported PA using the IPAQ-S7T. This warrants further research on order efficacy and whether other PA measures are affected.