Aging Clin Exp Res. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s40520-026-03441-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to validate a scale that highlights the personal and environmental barriers that hinder adherence to regular physical exercise in older adults.
METHODS: Individuals aged 60 years or over, sedentary and/or ex-practitioners, regular practitioners of physical exercise, with Brazilian Portuguese as their mother tongue. In addition to the Regular Physical Exercise Adherence Scale (REPEAS), the following instruments were applied: sociodemographic data sheet and Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. The measurement properties tested were: structural validity, construct validity, reliability, consistency internal and ceiling and floor effects.
RESULTS: This research involved 200 older adults’ participants, predominantly women. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-domain, 12-item structure of the REPEAS, demonstrating good model fit with the following indices: chi-square/degrees of freedom = 1.60, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.957, root mean square error of approximation = 0.078, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.078. Construct validity was evidenced by a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the personal factors domain between groups. Additionally, the domains of the REPEAS showed appropriate correlations with the items in the factor analysis. Reliability was acceptable, with composite reliability ≥ 0.84 and intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.89.
CONCLUSION: This scale presented adequate measurement properties when tested on Brazilian older adults to assess environmental and personal barriers to regular physical exercise. However, as this was a study conducted with a convenience sample, generalization of the findings should be made with caution. Despite this, the REPEAS can serve as a practical tool for health professionals and researchers to identify modifiable barriers and guide strategies to promote physical activity among older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
PMID:42348141 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-026-03441-0
