Intuitive Exercise Scale (IEXS): adaptação transcultural e análise de equivalências para o português do Brasil

Abstract

Intuitive exercise (EXI) is an approach to physical activity that is guided by internal bodily cues, such as fatigue, well-being, and energy levels, rather than by external goals or rigid training programs (Reel et al., 2016). There is a lack of valid and reliable instruments to assess intuitive exercise in the Brazilian context. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation and equivalence analysis of the Intuitive Exercise Scale (IEXS) for Brazilian Portuguese. The methodological steps included (1) translation, (2) synthesis of translations, (3) back- translation, (4) evaluation by an expert committee to develop the pre-test version, and (5) evaluation of the pre-test version by specialists and by a representative sample of the target population. The IEXS was translated and adapted while preserving the original number of items, with semantic, idiomatic, and cultural adjustments. After these procedures, the instrument was considered easy to understand by both experts and the target population. Thus, the IEXS is now translated and adapted for Brazilian adults, with evidence of equivalence between the original and the Brazilian versions. The availability of this measure may support health promotion strategies, particularly in addressing physical inactivity and fostering a healthier relationship with exercise. However, further studies are needed to examine the validity and reliability of the scale.