Validation of the rapid assessment of physical activity scale (RAPA) in an adult chilean population seeking primary care Validação da escala rapid assessment of physical activity (Rapa) em população chilena idosa consultante em atenção primária Validación

Abstract

© 2015, Universidad de La Sabana, Japan. All rights reserved. Introduction: Physical activity is vital to health care and having instruments to measure and monitor changes in people who are physically active is essential. Objectives: Culturally adapt the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire and estimate its psychometric properties, validity and reliability as an instrument to measure the level of physical activity among adults seeking primary care at health centers in Santiago (Chile). Materials and Methods: The adapted RAPA was applied to 180 adults who were being treated at five health centers. Their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was determined. Results: The scores on the RAPA scale were inversely and significantly linked to waist circumference and BMI. Persons categorized as having low levels of physical activity (i.e., little activity and little regular light activity) have a higher BMI, on average, and are more often categorized with alte