Date of Completion

12-18-2011

Embargo Period

6-27-2012

Advisors

Lawrence E. Armstrong; Jeremiah Weinstock

Field of Study

Kinesiology

Degree

Master of Arts

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: Two separate studies assessed psychometric properties of a retrospective behavioral measure adapted for exercise called the Timeline Followback for Exercise (TLFB-E). Study one examined criterion, convergent, and predictive validity. Study two examined test-retest reliability. Methods: Study one participants (N = 66) were college students 20.0 ± 1.4yr. Validity of frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise as assessed on the TLFB-E was examined using Pearson r correlations with accelerometers, weekly exercise contracts between participants and researchers, College Alumni Questionnaire, and a health-related physical fitness battery. Study two participants were a separate sample (N = 40) of college students 18.63 ± 1.0yr. Pearson r correlations determined reliability of the TLFB-E for exercise frequency, intensity, and time between two interviews separated by one month. Kappa statistic determined reliability of the TLFB-E for type of exercise. Results: The TLFB-E displayed criterion validity when compared to accelerometers (rs = .35 to .39) and convergent validity when compared to weekly exercise contracts (rs = .65 to .80) and College Alumni Questionnaire (rs = .06 to .75). The TLFB-E displayed modest to adequate test-retest reliability (rs = .79 to .97) for exercise frequency, intensity, and time and moderate Kappa (k = .49) for exercise type. Conclusions: The TLFB-E is a reliable and valid measure of physical activity and improves upon quantity-frequency methods by enabling collection of the exercise components of an individual’s daily physical activity over a specified time period.

Major Advisor

Linda S. Pescatello

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