Validity and reliability of the perceived benefits/ barriers scale of physical activity among Iranian elderly

Many studies showed physical activity improves health, especially in seniors. So, the aim of this research was the validity and reliability of the Persian version of perceived Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) among elderly in Iran. In this study, 388 elderly completed scales including the benefits/ barriers scale of physical activity, the Yale Physical Activity Survey and demographic characteristics questionnaire. Data were analyzed by means of EFA, CFA, Correlation Coefficients, Cronbach Alpha and ANOVA in statistical programs of SPSS18 and Amos-18. Results showed 10 components with 41 items predicted 61.83% of the variance. 28 items in five benefit factors and 13 items in five barrier factors were identified. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the second order model of scale in the studied population was properly approved. Internal consistency of whole scale, benefits and barriers subscales was 0.83, 0.94 and 0.68 respectively. There was a significant positive relationship between benefit scale and its subscales and barriers scale and its subscales, ranged from 0.525 to 0.869. Results pointed to a positive and significant correlation between benefits and level of physical activity (r = 0.209), as well as, a negative and significant correlation between barriers and level of physical activity (r = -0.231). It is concluded that the Persian version of the EBBS has shown it to be an effective tool for measuring physical activity among Iranian elderly.