Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the criterion validity and internal consistency of the
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-sf) in Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients. METHOD: Fifty-six CFS patients completed the
IPAQ-sf after they wore a tri-axial accelerometer and filled out activity diaries
during 1 week. Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Cronbach's Alpha were
calculated. RESULTS: The IPAQ-sf correlated significantly with the energy
expenditure and Metabolic Equivalents (METs) minutes spent moderately to
vigorously active following the activity diary and accelerometer. These
correlation coefficients were however low (r varying between 0.282 and 0.426) and
rather irrelevant, since CFS patients hardly reach moderate or vigorous activity
levels. Internal consistency between the three subitems used for the total score
of the IPAQ-sf was 0.337. CONCLUSION: The observed associations between the
IPAQ-sf data and the data obtained from the accelerometer (gold standard) and the
diaries were too low to be in support of the use of the IPAQ-sf in patients with
CFS. The IPAQ-sf does not seem an appropriate tool to assess physical activity in
CFS patients. Further study is required to seek for a valid, practical and
affordable tool.

Langue : ANGLAIS