Measuring Individual Physical Activity with IPAQ and Wellness Inventory questionnaires: Case study Cover Image

Hodnocení individuální míry pohybové aktivity dotazníky IPAQ a Wellness Inventory: případová studie
Measuring Individual Physical Activity with IPAQ and Wellness Inventory questionnaires: Case study

Author(s): Jana Stará, Tomáš Vespalec
Subject(s): Sports Studies
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: IPAQ; Wellness Inventory; measurement of physical activity; healthy lifestyle; behavior change

Summary/Abstract: Questionnaire surveys are relatively quick, cheap and effective way of obtaining data and as such are used as a basis for designing intervention programs, and consequently also in individual work with a client. The quantitative nature of questionnaire method, however, does not cover the qualitative characteristics of individual changes in behavior and as such is limited as to the interpretation of individual behavior changes. This case study compared two questionnaire instruments – International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Wellness Inventory (WI) in order to explain their advantages and disadvantages, and the ability to reflect the qualitative factors affecting the current level of physical activity of individuals. IPAQ was confirmed as a tool for monitoring the objective amount of physical activity with limited capacity for measuring individual changes. Conversely, WI focuses more on the subjective evaluation of the level of physical activity as one of the examined dimensions and is more burdened by subjective bias. Neither of the instruments directly reflected external factors (seasons, health, job change, motivation), whereas WI has been more sensitive to these influences. Both tools can be used to monitor changes in physical activity. To enhance the ability to interpret individual change it is recommended to supplement other instrumental and qualitative methods.

  • Issue Year: 11/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 44-52
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Czech