Using Psychometric Testing Procedures for Scale Validity, Reliability, and Invariance Analysis: The PRETIE-Q Portuguese Version

Abstract

This study investigated the psychometric nature of preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity in physical activity. It initially re-examined the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q) among Portuguese exercisers, looking at its applicability to different exercise activities and exercise experiences. Then, to investigate the applicability of the measure in different groups, its invariance was examined. The sample consisted of 1117 participants (528 male, 589 female) aged 18–81 years old (Mage = 36.81, SD = 11.89). All participants reported at baseline that they were exercising, on average, 3.93 days (SD = 1.36) per week. The exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) displayed the best fit. The ESEM did show invariance when tested for multigroup analysis. The conclusion of this research is that the ESEM demonstrated the best fit, displaying invariance in multigroup analysis. Furthermore, when assessing preference and tolerance in various exercise modalities, the PRETIE-Q should be primarily used as a multidimensional instrument due to the differential recognition of preference and tolerance in seemingly similar physical activity circumstances, highlighting the importance of employing context-verified measures to evaluate exercise-intensity preference and tolerance based on sample characteristics or real-time context.

Analysis of Exercise Intensity Preferences, Tolerance, Competence, and Their Implications for Behavioral Intentions in Fitness Settings

“…Competence satisfaction could depend on perceived skill mastery, accomplishment, and self-efficacy, which might not be solely determined by tolerance levels [ 27 ]. Additionally, individual differences in how tolerance and competence satisfaction are perceived and reported could also play a role in the lack of significant association observed in the study [ 28 ].…”

“…Hypothesis E aimed to investigate whether both competence satisfaction and competence frustration would serve as mediators in the relationships between exercise intensity preference, tolerance, and exercise intentions. The underlying theoretical framework suggests that an individual’s affective responses to their perceived competence can significantly influence their motivation and subsequent intentions to engage in a behavior, such as exercise [ 28 ]. The empirical results revealed interesting insights regarding these mediation effects.…”

“…These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the factors that mediate the relationships between exercise intensity preference, tolerance, and exercise intentions. While competence satisfaction appears to play a mediating role in the relationship between intensity preference and exercise intentions, the same cannot be said for intensity tolerance [ 28 ]. This underscores the complexity of the psychological mechanisms underlying exercise motivations and intentions, suggesting that different aspects of perceived competence may interact with different exercise-related traits to influence behavioral intentions.…”

“…Respondents were prompted to rate their beliefs and emotions during exercise on a 5-point bipolar Likert scale, ranging from 1 (“Strongly Disagree”) to 5 (“Strongly Agree”). This tool has demonstrated reliability and validity within the context of Portuguese fitness [ 28 ].…”