Translation and cultural adaptation of the exercise fear avoidance scale for chilean older adults

Abstract

Objective To translate and culturally adapt the Exercise Fear Avoidance Scale (EFAS) into Spanish for Chilean older adults. Materials and Methods Double direct translation with harmonization, back translation and analysis of text comprehensibility through cognitive interviews. A sample of 20 older adults between the ages of 63 and 83 participated in the cognitive interview process. Results All items were assessed as clear and understandable. Using the paraphrasing and inquiry techniques, 3 items (out of 16) were adapted to achieve better understanding. Two of these adaptations consisted in replacing one concept with another, as the latter was more used in the Chilean context, and making a non-literal translation, since the literal one was too complex for the elderly to understand. Conclusions A Spanish version of the EFAS was obtained, which proved to be understandable and adapted for its use with Chilean older adults.