MRC Epidemiology UnitThe overall aim of this study was to validate the EPIC physical activity questionnaire across EPIC centres. In addition, the validity of a newly devised questionnaire suitable for use in future follow-up studies of the EPIC population (RPAQ – Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire) and the short, last 7 day self-administered version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was also tested. Individual centres were also allowed to add country-specific self-report instruments.
This study was carried out across 10 European centres. A total of 1941 healthy participants were recruited, with a gender distribution similar to the EPIC cohort and similar in age to those originally recruited for the baseline assessments in the EPIC study, were recruited. Participants were asked to visit the study site two times, with the second visit four months subsequent to the first. At the first visit, the following measures were taken: 1) anthropometric characterisation; 2) body composition measurements; 3) eight minute step test; 4) free-living physical activity assessment. The second visit mimicked the first, with the addition of the three physical activity questionnaires. Average data on PAEE was used as the criterion instrument and compared to a 4 level physical activity index (sedentary, moderately inactive, moderately active, active) based on occupational and cycling and other physical exercises.