Translation, reliability, and validity of the Brazilian–Portuguese version of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE)

Abstract

Purpose

Translate, investigate reliability, and construct validity of the Brazilian Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE).

Materials and methods

Translation followed the international guidelines. Test–retest reliability was tested by 100 parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP): 18 months–5 years and 6–11 years. To determine construct validity, 94 parents of typically children completed the EASE. Statistical analysis included Bland–Altman, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Internal Consistency, and Floor and Ceiling Effect.

Results

The majority of the sample consisted of children with CP in GMFCS (IV–V). EASE showed good test–retest reliability for younger (ICC = 0.8) and excellent test–retest reliability for older children with CP (ICC = 0.9), and good internal consistency of 0.7 and 0.8 for the young and older group, respectively. Bland–Altman showed the bias close to zero, with no ceiling or floor effect. Regarding construct validity, younger children showed lower scores when compared to the older children. Endurance differed significantly between children with CP who were walking and those who were not walking and also for age groups. Children with CP showed lower endurance compared to typically participants in the same age group.

Conclusions

Brazilian EASE is reliable and valid to estimate endurance in children with CP. Results provide evidence of construct validity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Endurance to physical activity is an important construct to be evaluated and that directly interferes with the health and quality of life of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

• The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the 4-item Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE) is a valid and reliable scale to assess endurance to physical activity in children with CP.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• Early Endurance Activity Scale
• Endurance
• Psychometric properties
• Tolerance for activity

Acknowledgments

We thank the researchers and collaborators of the PartiCipa Brazil Research Group for their contribution to the scale validation process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We are also grateful for the funding and granting of scholarships from the PROGRAMA DE PESQUISA PARA O SUS: GESTÃO COMPARTILHADA EM SAÚDE-PPSUS – FAPEMIG (Grant number APQ-00754-20) and Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa - CNPq (302010/2022-0).