Confirmatory factorial analysis of the Children's Attraction to Physical Activity Scale

BACKGROUND: 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) 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. METHODS: A sample of 342 children (8-10 years of age) was used. Confirmatory factor analyses using EQS software (version 6.1) tested three competing measurement models: a single-factor model, a five factor model, and a second order factor model. RESULTS: 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-chi 2(67)=94.27, P=0.02; NNFI=0.93; CFI=0.95; RMSEA=0.04; 90%CI=0.02;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 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.