A psychometric validation of the motives for physical activity measure for youth with intellectual disabilities (MPAM-ID)

Abstract

Purpose

To validate a version of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Materials and methods

A sample of 359 youth with mild to moderate ID from Australia and Canada respectively completed English and French versions of the MPAM-ID.

Results

Exploratory structural equation models supported the validity and reliability of the five-factor structure of the MPAM-ID, as well as the weak, latent variance-covariance, and latent mean invariance across linguistic versions. Additional results supported the partial strong and strict invariance of most MPAM-ID items across linguistic versions. The results also supported the complete measurement invariance of the MPAM-ID over time and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (DIF) as a function of youth’s age, body-mass index (BMI), ID level, and frequency of sport involvement (FSI). However, partial DIF was found as a function of youth’s sex. Additionally, latent mean differences in MPAM-ID’s factors were found as a function of youth’s ID level, sex, and FSI. Finally, results supported the convergent validity of the MPAM-ID factors with a measure of perceived physical abilities.

Conclusion

The MPAM-ID can be used among English- and French-speaking youth with ID irrespective of their age, BMI, ID level, sex, and FSI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• We propose English and French adaptations of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities (MPAM-ID).

• The MPAM-ID was able to identify the same motives as the original measure.

• The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

• The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity among English- and French-speaking youth with ID.

• The MPAM-ID could be used to compare youth motives for physical Activity as a function of their age, body-mass index, ID level, and frequency of sport involvement.

Keywords:

• Motivation
• sport
• intellectual disability level
• measurement invariance
• special education needs

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grants from the Australian Research Council [DP140101559] and from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [430-2012-0091, 435-2014-0909].