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

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was investigating the validity and reliability of Persian version of perceived benefits/barriers of physical activity in Iranian elderly. Methods: 388 elderly subjects (up to 60 years) completed demographic characteristics questionnaire, Exercise Benefits/Barriers (EBBS) and Yale physical activity scale. Results: Persian version of EBBS showed nine components, and 31 items predicted 60.26% of variance. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency in total and subscales was respectively 0.75, 0.91 and 0.71. As well positive and significant correlation between total benefits and its subscales and between total barriers and its subscales were found. Research results showed significant and positive correlation between physical activity and the benefits of physical activity (r=0.178, P<0.05) and significant and negative correlation between physical activity and the barriers of physical activity (r=0.249, P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed acceptable reliability and validity of Persian version of perceived benefits/barriers of physical activity in Iranian elderly.