Is the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire a Valid Measure in Older People?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for healthy aging, yet most older adults lack motivation to exercise.
• The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) is a key tool for understanding exercise motivation.
• Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides the framework for the BREQ-3.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the validity and psychometric properties of the BREQ-3 in an older adult population.
• To confirm the BREQ-3's ability to measure various forms of behavioral regulation in exercise among seniors.

Main Methods:

• 383 older adults (average age 73.2 years) completed the BREQ-3 and the Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ).
• Confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the BREQ-3's structure and measurement invariance.
• Construct and criterion validity were examined through correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• The six-factor structure of the BREQ-3, based on SDT, was confirmed with excellent fit indices.
• The questionnaire demonstrated full measurement invariance across sex and age groups (65-74 and over 75).
• Correlations supported the construct and criterion validity of the BREQ-3 in older adults.

Conclusions:

• The BREQ-3 effectively measures all behavioral regulation forms proposed by SDT in older adults.
• This study provides the first evidence of the BREQ-3's utility and reliability in this demographic.
• Older adults interpret the BREQ-3 items consistently across different sexes and age brackets.