Author(s): ABDELKARIM, O., MAHFOUDI, H., BENMAAMAR, S., KIRATE, M., EL HARCH, I., BAHRA, N., ZAHRAEBARTAL, F., MAIOUAK, M., ALY, M., EL RHAZI, K., Institution: ESLSCA UNIVERSITY , Country: EGYPT, Abstract-ID: 2224

Background:
Accurate measurement of physical activity is fundamental to epidemiological research and public health surveillance. In Arabic-speaking countries, most physical activity questionnaires originate from Western contexts, raising concerns regarding cultural appropriateness and psychometric validity when applied without proper adaptation.

Objective:
This systematic review aimed to identify physical activity measurement instruments available in Arabic and critically evaluate their psychometric properties using the COSMIN methodology.

Methods:
A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted from inception to 2025 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Validation studies of physical activity questionnaires administered to Arabic-speaking populations were included. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Psychometric properties were evaluated according to COSMIN criteria and classified as sufficient, insufficient, indeterminate, or variable.

Results:
A total of 21 studies were included, covering 13 distinct instruments across diverse populations and settings. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was the most frequently validated tool. Reliability and criterion validity were the most commonly assessed properties and generally demonstrated acceptable methodological quality. However, evidence for content validity was often insufficient, particularly for widely used instruments such as the IPAQ and GPAQ. Structural validity, measurement error, responsiveness, and cross-cultural validity were rarely evaluated. Instruments developed for specific populations, including older adults and individuals with disabilities, tended to exhibit more favorable psychometric performance.

Conclusion:
Although several physical activity measurement instruments are available in Arabic, their psychometric evaluation remains heterogeneous and frequently incomplete. No instrument currently meets all COSMIN recommendations. Future validation studies should adopt more comprehensive and methodologically rigorous approaches to enhance the quality and comparability of physical activity measurement tools in Arabic-speaking contexts.