Concurrent and criterion validity of the 7 day-par in spanish adolescents

Abstract

This study analyses the validity of the self-report questionnaire Seven Day Physical Activity Recall (7 Day-PAR) in Spanish adolescents. For this purpose, we analysed the relations of 7 Day-PAR data with accelerometer data (concurrent validity) and with the aerobic physical fitness and body fat percentage of the sample (criterion validity). The study was carried out with a sample of 123 Spanish adolescents (M = 14.85, SD = .87). Physical activity (PA) was measured by the 7 Day-PAR and the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer. Aerobic fitness was estimated by the 20-m shuttle run test. Body fat percentage was measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale (Oregon Scientific GR101). The results revealed that the 7 Day-PAR showed acceptable validity for the measurement of very hard PA and low validity for hard PA, but it showed a problem in the measurement of moderate PA. It seems that young people find it difficult to report their moderate PA time properly, because it tends to be more sporadic, non-planned, and therefore less memorable and quantifiable than high-intensity activities. This article concludes with some suggestions to improve the validity of the 7 Day-PAR and the measurement of moderate PA.