• Amireault, S., & Godin, G. (2015). The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire: Validity evidence supporting its use for classifying healthy adults into active and insufficiently active categories. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 120(2), 605-622. doi:10.2466/03.27.PMS.120v19x7.

The Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) is a four question, self-administered questionnaire which aims to quantify adults’ participation in leisure time physical activity by classifying them as either active or insufficiently active. Leisure time physical activity includes anything you engage in on your own time, rather than for work or as a chore. Because leisure time physical activity provides some of the greatest enjoyment and improvement in fitness and well-being, Amireault and Godin sought to validate the GSLTPAQ. The researchers had 100 members from a fitness center complete the questionnaire as well as a physical fitness evaluation, performed by a certified exercise specialist. The evaluation provided information on VO₂max (the maximum amount of oxygen used during intense exercise) and body fat percentage. These two variables along with electronic records of adults’ attendance at the fitness center were used to validate the questionnaire. Data collected provided confirmation that the GSLTPAQ provides an accurate classification system for healthy adults. Since this questionnaire is short, relatively easy, and can be distributed at a low cost, it can and should be used in large populations to measure physical activity, and improve overall health.