Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Visual Analogical Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents

Abstract

Physical fitness (PF) is considered a highly relevant indicator for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents, crucial stages where lifestyles and behaviors are established. Self-perceived fitness scales are quick and easy to use tools, allowing students to know and monitor fitness. The aim of the study was to show the factor structure and validity of the Visual Analogical Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A), a scale aimed at assessing self-perception of PF in adolescents. Reliability tests were used, as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results show a single-factor structure for the scale with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80-0.90) and good and exceptional goodness-of-fit indices, composed of 4 items, eliminating the item of self-perception of flexibility for not meeting the criteria of factor loading (>0.60) and communality (>0.30). In conclusion, a cheap, simple and fast tool is shown. Applicable to the educational field in relation to Physical Education (PE), for the self-monitoring of PF by students and to encourage self-elaboration of physical activity (PA) plans. Keywords: physical fitness; physical activity; FP VAS A; validation; reliability; adolescents; physical education.