Validity and reliability of Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale questionnaire (PACES) in children with asthma

Objective: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in children with asthma. Method: Participants included 185 children (age 11.38 +/- 1.12 years; body mass index 20.66 +/- 4.13 kg/m(2)): 107 children with asthma and 78 healthy children. To test the enjoyment of physical activity, PACES of Motl et al. was used in its Spanish version. In addition, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) have been used. Results: The results have shown a two-factor structure corresponding to the model whose settings have been good. PACES internal consistency was very high (Cronbach's alpha=0.906). The PACES test-retest reliability indicates a good temporal concordance (Spearman rho=0.868, p< 0.001). This presents an adequate concurrent validity with the total PAQLQ, the PAQ-C as well as with ability, fitness, attractiveness, strength and general physical self-concept. Conclusions: The findings confirm that PACES is a valid and reliable measure of physical activity enjoyment in children with asthma.