Validation and responsiveness of the AQuAA for measuring physical activity in overweight and obese pregnant women

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the validity and responsiveness of the self-report Activity Questionnaire for Adults and Adolescents for use in overweight and obese pregnant women.

Design: Longitudinal study with measurements at 17, 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Methods: Overweight and obese pregnant women (n=55) were asked to wear an accelerometer (Actigraph model ActiTrainer) and fill out the AQuAA at 17, 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. AQuAA outcomes were compared with objective accelerometer data. With accelerometer data, different cut-off points of counts per minute were used to define light, moderate and vigorous physical activities. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess evidence for construct validity and responsiveness.

Results: Compared with the accelerometer, time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activities was higher according to the questionnaire, while time spent in sedentary activity was lower. The correlations between AQuAA and accelerometer data were small, regardless of which cut-off point for intensity was used.

Conclusions: Overweight and obese pregnant women overestimated the time spent in physical activities and underestimated the time spent in sedentary behaviours. The construct validity and responsiveness of the AQuAA compared to an accelerometer was poor for these overweight and obese pregnant women.