Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ-H)

The GPAQ version 2 was used in our research, which was developed by the WHO. This self-administered form comprises 16 items that measure the physical activity levels of a typical active week (7 days) of adults. The questionnaire contains three domains of PA: work, transportation, and recreational activities. The duration and frequency of physical activity (min/day) were recorded in case of all three above-mentioned domains. The evaluation of the intensity of certain activities is well introduced for the respondents in the questionnaires’ manual, based on the extent of increase in breathing or heart rate [53]. Results were expressed in time (minutes) or in energy expenditure (MET: Metabolic Equivalent of Task). According to intensity, moderate and vigorous activities can be classified and walking activities should be also distinguished.

Our study indicates data in min/week format for easier comparison with accelerometer data. Total MVPA min/week (all vigorous + all moderate activities’ mins), moderate and vigorous activities in min/week, and weekly sitting time in min/week values were calculated [53, 54].

The cultural adaptation, efficient translation, and validation of the Hungarian version were composed by our research group [54–56]. A total of 120 healthy adults (age 21.53 ± 1.75 years, 46.66% male) were included in the validity and reliability study, their last 7 days PA by GPAQ-H was compared with IPAQ-Hungarian Long version and Actigraph GT3X accelerometer data at the University of Pécs. Although, the validity GPAQ-H was fair to moderate (MVPA R = 0.290, p = 0.001) but it was acceptable, as by similar European studies. Consequently, it could be claimed that the GPAQ-H proved to be a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure the healthy Hungarian general population’s physical activity patterns [57].

For calculation of energy expenditure (MET) of PA following the guidelines of both of the questionnaires MPA by 4 MET, VPA by 8 MET and walking by 3.3 MET should be multiplied [53, 56, 58, 59]. We decided to apply the values of the updated “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans”, which calculates with 3, 6 and 2.5 METs respectively [60].