Confirmatory factorial analysis of the children´s attraction to physical activity scale (capa)

Attraction to physical activity (PA) is an important contributor to children´s intrinsic motivation to engage in games, and sports. Previous studies have supported the utility of the children´s attraction to PA scale (CAPA) (Brustad, 1996) but the validity of this measure for use in Portugal has not been established. The purpose of this study was to cross-validate the shorter version of the CAPA scale in the Portuguese cultural context.

A sample of 342 children (8--10 years of age) was used. Confirmatory factor analyses using EQS software ( version 6.1) tested t hree competing measurement models: a single--factor model, a five factor model, and a second order factor model.

The single--factor model and the second order model showed a poor fit to the data. It was found that a five-factor model similar to the original one revealed good fit to the data (S--B χ 2 (67) =94.27,p=0.02; NNFI=0.93; CFI=0.95; RMSEA=0.04; 90%CI=0.02;0.05).

The results indicated that the CAPA scale is valid and appropriate for use in the Portuguese cultural context. The availability of a valid scale to evaluate attraction to PA at schools should provide improved opportunities for better assessment and understanding of children´s involvement in PA.