Validation and Reliability of the Slovenian Translation of the Adherence to Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT)
Abstract
Introduction
Subjective measures for assessing exercise adherence in patients with non-cancer widespread chronic muscle pain (CMP) are limited. Following the recent development of the valid and reliable Adherence To Exercise for Musculoskeletal Pain Tool (ATEMPT), this study aimed to assess the reliability of the Slovenian translation of the questionnaire for measuring exercise adherence in Slovenian patients with CMP.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 107 patients with CMP (95% female), with a mean (SD) age of 56 (8) years, to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Slovenian version of ATEMPT. Following initial translation into Slovenian by 2 experienced translators and minor adaptation of terminology after discussing with people and an exercise specialist, the questionnaire was administered on 2 occasions, with a median (IQR) of 8 (0) days between assessments.
Results
Overall, test-retest comparisons showed similar scores for each item and for the score. Correlations between test and retest scores for each item and the total score were positive and moderate to high (all 0.533 < r < 0.733, all p < 0.001). Reliability of each item and the total score was significant and ranged from moderate (first, third and fourth items; intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] = 0.688–0.700) to good (second and sixth items and overall score; ICC = 0.824–0.852). Construct validity was strong, with all items loading onto a single underlying factor that explained 57% of the variance in ATEMPT scores.
Conclusions
The Slovenian translation of ATEMPT demonstrated moderate to excellent measurement properties and can therefore be used to assess exercise adherence in people with CMP.
© 2026 Suzana Pustivšek, Maja Dakskobler, Andraž Furlan, Tim Kambič, published by National Institute of Public Health, Slovenia
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