International Physical Activity Questionnaire

Participants included 951 men, aged 21-43 yr. VO2max by ergometer was used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. Muscular fitness tests included the number of sit-ups, push-ups, and squats performed during 60 s. Physical activity was assessed from IPAQ by categories for health (health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA)) and by calculating total and vigorous MET-hours per week. The participants were classified in five groups of almost equal size by the IPAQ outcomes. Moreover, the frequency of vigorous activity was assessed by one precoded question (single-item question on leisure-time vigorous physical activity (SIVAQ)).

The mean fitness improved from the first through the fourth IPAQ group. VO2max in the most active IPAQ group, however, was lower than in the fourth group (P