Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) by comparing PASE scores with physical activity assessed by a portable accelerometer.
Experimental design: Correlational-mean activity level over a 3-day period was correlated with PASE scores.
Setting: Physical activity of participants was monitored over 3 days during normal daily activity.
Participants: Twenty healthy adult volunteers, 67-80 years of age, participated in this study.
Measures: Physical activity from 09:00 to 21:00 hours was assessed over 3 consecutive weekdays (Wednesday-Friday) using a Computer Science and Applications, Inc. (CSA) portable accelerometer. Following completion of the 3-day monitoring period physical activity was assessed with the PASE.
Results: PASE scores were significantly correlated with average 3-day CSA readings (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) in the total sample and in those over age 70 years (r = 0.64, p < 0.5).
Conclusions: These results add to the literature supporting the validity of the PASE as a measure of physical activity in older individuals.