Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the exercise self-efficacy scale in people with multiple sclerosis

Exercise self‑efficacy has been identified as one of the primary determinants of physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, assessment of exercise self‑efficacy is important to be measured with valid and reliable scale to provide tailored interventions.

The English version of the exercise self‑efficacy scale was translated into Persian using a forward‑backward translation approach. Factorial validity was conducted using the expletory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In addition, construct validity was performed using convergent and known‑group validity. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency and test‑retest reliability. Participants were recruited from two hospitals (MS clinics).

Expletory factor analysis identified a single factor structure which explained 64.7% variance in exercise self‑efficacy scale (EXSE). CFA supported a single factor structure with a good model fit. Average variance extracted = 0.60 and composite reliability = 0.93 values confirmed the convergent validity. The known‑group validity was verified with significant differences between subgroups. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.93 and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85 supported reliability of EXSE scale.

Our findings provided sufficient evidence of validity and reliability for EXSE scale in people with MS. This measure can utilize by researchers and health‑care providers in studies and clinical practice as a robust measure to assess exercise self‑efficacy and to develop interventions in people with MS.