Concurrent Validity and Reliability of a Novel Visual Analogue Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A)

Self-reported physical fitness (PF) provides an accurate measure of PF, specifically for young people. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is one of the most used psychosocial measurement methods. The main arguments in favor of VAS are its ease of use and comprehension, particularly for less educated participants. There are some scales that assess self-perception of PF, but the VAS presented in this study covers a higher range of responses and a number of variables than other already validated measures.

The aim was to determine the concurrent validity of the Visual Analogue Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A) (Sub-study 1) and check its reliability (Sub-study 2).

Anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed, as well as PF tests (manual dynamometry, Course Navette, 4 × 10 m, and sit and reach). The International Fitness Scale (IFIS) and FP VAS A were used to assess self-reported PF.

Two sub-studies were carried out: in sub-study 1 a total of 67 students (26 males and 41 females aged 12-16 years) participated. The results showed a significant direct correlation between the level of PF and self-perception of PF (IFIS and FP VAS A), with the FP VAS A obtaining a higher correlation with PF (r = 0.444 to 0.666) than the IFIS and PF (r = 0.154 to 0.557). In sub-study 2 (test-retest of the FP VAS A), a total of 217 students (120 males and 97 females aged 12-17 years) participated. It showed a moderate reliability for all items; the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was between 0.800 and 0.870, and kappa values ranged from 0.622 (endurance) to 0.458 (flexibility). In addition, Cronbach's α for the total was 0.860.

This study showed good validity and reliability for the FP VAS A in adolescents.