Yves Vanden Auweele

Addressing overreporting on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) telephone survey with a population sample

OBJECTIVE To examine a possible problem of overreporting and to describe the degree of error with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short telephone protocol. DESIGN Cross-sectional study, using two different physical activity (PA) self-report protocols. SETTING Telephone interviews about PA in Belgium. SUBJECTS Fifty adults who had previously been interviewed with IPAQ in a national survey. RESULTS Seventy-five per cent reported less PA with the modified procedure than with the IPAQ. Twenty-three of the 50 individuals were found to have reported some amounts of PA with the IPAQ (either walking, or vigorous or moderate PA) when they should have reported none. In total, based on their revised reports of PA, 50% fewer persons met PA recommendations than was the case with IPAQ. The overreporting could not be related to types of error-prone individuals. CONCLUSIONS Overreporting of PA in population samples is a serious problem that could be reduced by implementing procedure changes without changing the IPAQ items themselves.

The accident-prone and overuse-prone profiles of the young athlete.

A 1 year prospective study was done to develop an accident-prone and overuse-prone profile of young ath letes. A group of 185 freshman physical education students (118 males; 67 females) of the same age (18.3 ± 0.5 years) trained under the same conditions and were exposed to similar extrinsic risk factors. Using a descriptive statistical technique, an analysis of correspondence, the complex interrelation between the criterium variables (acute injuries and overuse inju ries) and the predictor variables (intrinsic risk factors; physical characteristics—antropometric data, physical fitness parameters, flexibility aspects and malalignment of the lower extremities; and psychological factors— 16 personality traits) was estimated for males and females separately. Although dynamic strength seems to be an important risk factor in acute injuries, sports accidents must be seen in relation to psychological factors. However, the overuse-prone profile is mainly based on physical traits: a combination of muscle weakness, ligamentous laxity, and muscle tightness predisposes to stress injuries. In addition, these overuse effects are intensified by large body weight and length, a high explosive strength, and malalignment of the lower limbs. Nevertheless, it has to be kept in mind that psychosomatic factors play a role in how one experiences these overuse phenomena.

Unwanted sexual experiences in sport: Perceptions and reported prevalence among Flemish female student-athletes

Abstract The major aims of this study were to quantify the reported prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences involving male coaches among a sample of Flemish female student‐athletes and to investigate the latters perceptions of the acceptability of related coaching behaviors. A questionnaire based on the research of Volkwein, Schnell, Sherwood, and Livezy (1997), Brackenridge (1997), Toftegaard‐Nielsen (2001), and Fejgen and Hanegby (2001), probing the reported prevalence and perceptions of unacceptable, sexual coach behaviors, was completed by 435 student‐athletes at a Catholic university (N = 291) and at a liberal, non‐religiously affiliated university (N = 144). Despite significant differences in perceptions between the students at the two universities, no differences were found between the reported prevalence of unacceptable and serious sexual coach behaviors. The reported prevalence was comparable to prevalence data reported in the USA, the UK, Australia, and the Scandinavian countries

Effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in a women's organization.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a minimal contact physical activity intervention that was maximally integrated into the existing structures of a womens organization. METHODS The intervention included one group meeting, a self-help booklet, and five monthly reminder letters and was implemented in four units of a rural womens organization. Two other units served as control group. Pretest and posttest measurements were completed by 81 women in the intervention group and 88 in the control group. Physical activity was assessed at baseline and at 6 months with accelerometers and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS There was a significant interaction between time and group for the total accelerometer activity counts (p = 0.007). Total activity counts increased in the intervention group, whereas there was a decrease in the control group. No significant results were found with the IPAQ. CONCLUSIONS An intervention in a womens organization was effective in increasing the objectively measured physical activity levels of its members. These results indicate that womens organizations can be valuable settings for physical activity promotion programs. The minimal number of contact hours and the use of existing structures and communication channels are important strengths for later implementation.

Towards a European Health Monitoring System

The relationships between physical activity (PA) and a wide variety of health and well-being outcomes have been well established in the last decade. Regular PA reduces the risk of premature death and disability from many medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. There is also evidence for a positive relationship with well-being, particularly in alleviating depression and anxiety. Reduction of the large public health burden associated with a sedentary lifestyle has become a priority in many countries and is endorsed by the World Health Organization.