Author: EricaT

Psychometric Properties of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C)
in a cohort of primary school children from the UK
Erica Thomas, Dominic Upton, Derek Peters and Victoria Mason

Introduction
There is some evidence to suggest that high levels of physical activity in childhood can benefit cardiovascular disease risk factors, adiposity and bone health, but in many studies the relationships are weak to moderate preventing any definitive conclusions. One possible reason why many studies have been unable to detect health benefits from physical activity in youth is the lack of accuracy in the assessment of physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) (Crocker et al., 1997) in a sample from the UK. To date, the instrument has been validated in predominantly white Canadian samples.
Method
Participants: 144 pupils were recruited from a primary school in the West Midlands. Participants were recruited using an opportunity sample and consisted of both males (n = 73) and females (n = 71) aged 8 to 11 years (mean = 9.23 years, SD = 0.97).
Measures: Physical activity was measured using the PAQ-C. Based on focus group testing and previous research the PAQ-C was modified to make the activity items in the checklist more culturally and geographically appropriate.
Procedure: The PAQ-C was administered twice (two weeks apart) to pupils during class time in the summer term.
Results
Descriptive statistics: Most items had means close to the centre of the range and demonstrated adequate variability.
Gender differences: Analysis of gender differences examined by MANOVA found a significant gender effect (P < .001). Follow up univariate ANOVAs indicated that males had significantly (P < .05) higher scores on all items except for the physical activity checklist and the PE class and after school items. An Analysis comparing males and females mean PAQ-C scores indicated that overall males were significantly more active than females (P < .001). Effect sizes were medium to large. All results remained significant after controlling for age.
Corrected item total correlations and coefficient alpha: All corrected item total correlations exceeded .30. Coefficient alpha was .86.
Confirmatory factor analysis: Results of a CFA supported the implied single factor structure of the PAQ-C in this group; Χ2 (25) = 27.225, P = 0.345, NFI = 0.925, CFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.026. Factor loadings ranged from .357 to .794.
Test re-test reliability: Two week test re-test reliability of the PAQ-C was r = 0.768.
Conclusion
This study provides strong preliminary evidence that the PAQ-C is a valid and reliable method of assessing general levels of MVPA in this group.

References
Crocker, P., Bailey, D., Faulkner, R.A., Kowalski, K. and McGrath, R. (1997). Measuring general levels of physical activity: Preliminary evidence for the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(10), 1344—1349.

Contact: e.thomas@worc.ac.uk