Development and validation of the class climate observation system in group fitness classes-pilot application with the elderly

Abstract

The main target of this study was to develop and validate an observation system of the climate in group fitness classes (SOCA-AGF), as well to carry out a pilot implementation. A sample of 6 instructors from 2 activities (aquafitness and resistance training) with elderly people tested the functionality of the instrument. The observation system SOCA-AGF, which has 2 dimensions, 36 categories and 8 subcategories, showed reliability and validity. The results indicate that the observable behaviour of fitness instructors in group classes can be codified by using this instrument. We concluded that the SOCA-AGF shows fundamental fitness instructor behaviour aspects that influence the climate in group fitness classes, therefore it can be used to study relevant aspects of the behavior that influences the class climate in different group activities, in the context of fitness and with different types of population.