ABSTRACT. Purpose. First, to validate the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LAPAQ) by a 7-day diary and a pedometer in older persons. Second, to assess the repeatability of the LAPAQ. Third, to compare the feasibility of these methods. Methods The study was performed in a subsample (n=439, aged 69-92 years) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The LAPAQ was completed twice (1998/1999, 1999/2000). Respondents completed a 7-day activity diary and wore a pedometer for seven days (1999/2000). Results. The LAPAQ was highly correlated with the 7-day diary (r = 0.70, p < 0.001), and moderately with the pedometer (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). The repeatability of the LAPAQ was reasonably good (weighted kappa: 0.65-0.75; Pearson: 0.55-0.63). The LAPAQ was completed in 5.7?2.7 minutes and 0.5% of the respondents had missing values. Conclusion. The LAPAQ appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for classifying physical activity in older people. The LAPAQ was easier to use than the 7-day diary and pedometer.
