Measurement of Physical Activity and Sport Activity With the BSA Questionnaire

This paper presents the newly developed Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport Questionnaire (Bewegungs-und Sportaktivitat Fragebogen; BSA-Fragebogen or BSA-F) and provides data on its validity. Method: Based on bicycle ergometry, different parameters of aerobic fitness were used as validation criteria (e.g., power achieved at the individual anaerobic threshold p[IAS], estimated VO(2)max), which were measured in the context of a randomized controlled intervention study (N = 118). The total activity index was significantly associated with VO(2)max (r = .32) and p[IAS] (r = .34; concurrent validity); the sport and exercise index proved to be a significant predictor (p < .01) of aerobic fitness measured 12 weeks later (predictive validity). The intervention data showed that the BSA-F was able to substantiate changes in level of sport and exercise activity that were triggered by the intervention program (construct validity). The results of this investigation - together with data from previous studies - suggest that the BSA-F provides a sufficiently valid measurement of physical activity, exercise, and sport behavior. Because of its economy (time-and space-saving) and clear structure (easily understandable, easy to complete), this instrument may be useful in health-related and exercise-related research.