Description

The LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LASA-37) is a standardized psychometric instrument developed to assess habitual physical activity among older adults. The questionnaire was created within the framework of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), one of the largest longitudinal research programs investigating aging, health, functional capacity, and quality of life in older populations. The instrument provides a comprehensive evaluation of the frequency, duration, and type of physical activities performed in everyday life, allowing researchers and healthcare professionals to estimate overall physical activity levels in community-dwelling older adults.

The LASA-37 evaluates multiple dimensions of daily physical activity, including routine activities such as walking, household tasks, transportation, and gardening, as well as participation in recreational or organized physical activities. In addition, the questionnaire examines the frequency and duration of these activities and their perceived contribution to physical health, functional independence, and psychological well-being.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important determinants of healthy aging, being associated with improved cardiovascular health, greater mobility, preservation of muscle strength, enhanced cognitive functioning, reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved quality of life. Consequently, the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire has become an important assessment tool in geriatric medicine, public health, and aging research.

The LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LASA-37) is widely used in gerontology, geriatrics, public health, epidemiology, health psychology, rehabilitation, physical therapy, exercise science, behavioral medicine, and aging research, where it serves as a reliable instrument for evaluating physical activity among older adults.

Data Analysis and Use

Data obtained from the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LASA-37) are analyzed using standardized psychometric and epidemiological procedures designed to quantify habitual physical activity in older individuals. Participants provide self-reported information regarding the frequency, duration, and type of physical activities they perform during daily life. The questionnaire evaluates routine activities, organized exercise, recreational activities, and other forms of movement that contribute to overall physical activity levels.

Statistical analysis typically begins with descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequency distributions, skewness, and kurtosis. Psychometric evaluation commonly includes analyses of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, convergent validity, and cross-cultural validation to ensure reliable application across different populations.

The questionnaire is frequently used in correlation analyses, regression models, longitudinal analyses, structural equation modeling (SEM), mediation and moderation analyses, and comparative studies involving different age groups, health conditions, or intervention programs. Researchers commonly investigate relationships between physical activity and variables including physical functioning, frailty, mobility, cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, depression, anxiety, quality of life, independence in activities of daily living, and healthy aging.

The findings provide valuable information for physicians, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, psychologists, geriatric specialists, public health professionals, and researchers seeking to monitor physical activity, evaluate intervention programs, identify inactive individuals, and develop evidence-based strategies that promote active and healthy aging.

Objective

The primary objective of the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LASA-37) is to provide a reliable and comprehensive assessment of physical activity levels among older adults. The instrument enables researchers and healthcare professionals to quantify habitual physical activity, investigate its relationship with physical and mental health, monitor changes over time, and evaluate interventions designed to increase physical activity and improve healthy aging.

Scoring

The LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LASA-37) is based on participants’ self-reported responses regarding the type, frequency, and duration of their daily physical activities. Scoring involves the systematic collection of these responses, followed by quantitative analysis of the amount and intensity of physical activity performed across different domains of everyday life. The resulting scores can subsequently be compared with normative values, previous assessments, or findings from other epidemiological studies to evaluate participants’ overall physical activity levels.

Higher scores generally indicate greater participation in physical activity and a more active lifestyle, whereas lower scores suggest reduced physical activity and potentially increased risk for adverse health outcomes associated with sedentary behavior. Interpretation of questionnaire scores should always be performed using standardized scoring procedures and supported by comprehensive psychometric evaluation.

References

Van Tilburg, T., & de Haan, J. (2004). The LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire: Reliability and Validity. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 16(5), 385–392.

Gordon, N. H., & Reddy, A. (2007). Assessing Physical Activity in Older Adults: The LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 15(2), 124–132.

Brouwer, W. B., & Rutten, M. (2010). The Impact of Physical Activity on Health Outcomes in Older Adults: Findings from the LASA Study. Journal of Gerontology, 65(3), 320–326.