Open Access Methodology

Measuring enjoyment of physical activity in older adults: invariance of the physical activity enjoyment scale (paces) across groups and time

Sean P Mullen1*, Erin A Olson1, Siobhan M Phillips1, Amanda N Szabo1, Thomas R Wójcicki1, Emily L Mailey1, Neha P Gothe1, Jason T Fanning1, Arthur F Kramer2 and Edward McAuley1

Author Affiliations

1 Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

2 Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA

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International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2011, 8:103 doi:10.1186/1479-5868-8-103

Published: 27 September 2011

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in a sample of older adults. Participants within two different exercise groups were assessed at two time points, 6 months apart. Group and longitudinal invariance was established for a novel, 8-item version of the PACES. The shortened, psychometrically sound measure provides researchers and practitioners an expedited and reliable instrument for assessing the enjoyment of physical activity.