Design and validation of a scale to assess the responsible use of fitness testing in physical education teachers (Fitpet)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to design and validate a scale that would allow the evaluation in Physical Education teachers the responsible use of physical fitness tests related to health. Method: The sample was composed of 374 secondary school teachers (266 men and 108 women), from educational centers belonging to the eight Andalusian provinces, aged between 24 and 67 years (41.92 ± 9.24). Results: Firstly, a 26-item instrument was designed, which obtained item-total correlation values of ≥.35, except for 5 items. Then, the internal structure of the scale was evaluated and proved to be relevant. The statistical analysis of the items and the subsequent exploratory factor analysis resulted in five factors (orientation of the result, use of participatory styles, the educational approach, methodological rigor, and positive reinforcement), with positive and significant correlations, confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, factor invariance tests, as well as reliability and convergent and discriminant validity and reliability. The results of the analysis of psychometric properties of the scale were moderate and allowed us to offer a valid and reliable 15-item an ad hoc instrument, with adequate values of validity and reliability, proving its usefulness the evaluation in Physical Education teachers the responsible use of physical fitness tests in their classes.