The measurement reliability and equivalence of print versus online versions of the Youth Activity Profile

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 24;20(1):e0312254. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312254. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

Purpose: The Youth Activity Profile (YAP) is a 7-day self-report designed to quantify physical activity and sedentary behaviors among youth. This study evaluated the reliability of the online version of the YAP and equivalence with the paper-based version.

Method: A total of 2,490 participants from 17 schools in Iowa and Texas completed the YAP. Each classroom was randomly assigned to complete either the print or online version twice. A variance components model was used to assess the test-retest reliability and equivalence testing was also applied.

Results: Both paper and online versions had similar reliability for the PA estimates in school (ICCprint = 0.69-0.91; ICConline = 0.54-0.84), at home (ICCprint = 0.72-0.83; ICConline = 0.64-0.94), PA at weekend (ICCprint = 0.33-0.72; ICConline = 0.39-0.70), and SB (ICCprint = 0.69-0.90; ICConline = 0.66-0.80). The two versions were statistically equivalent for most YAP items except for recess.

Conclusion: The online YAP appears to be a reliable assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth populations.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Iowa
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Schools
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Self Report*
  • Texas