Chronic pain significantly affects the physical and psychological functionality of individuals. The lack of accurate tools to measure different activity patterns highlights the need for more effective instruments to assess activity management in patients with chronic pain. The Activity Patterns Scale (APS) is a 24-item instrument that evaluates eight constructs related to physical activity. However, it has not yet been translated, adapted, or validated for Brazil. A culturally adapted version of this instrument is important for a more accurate assessment of chronic pain.

Translate and adapt the language of the APS questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese.

This is a cross-sectional study. For the translation and adaptation of the APS, the recommendations of Beaton et al. (2000) were followed. This study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee. The original version of the APS was translated by two Brazilian translators fluent in Spanish. The translations were then synthesized and subsequently back-translated into Spanish by two native Spanish speakers. A panel of experts reviewed the versions and compared them with the original to formulate the pretest version. The comprehensibility of the items in the pretest version was evaluated in 30 participants, both sexes, aged over 18 years, with chronic musculoskeletal pain in the lower back for at least 3 months and an intensity greater than 3 on the 11-point numerical pain scale. Each participant answered the questionnaire, reported their understanding, and suggested modifications. The instrument was considered adequate when 90% of participants understood all the questions. Statistical analyses were performed using Excel™ software (Microsoft, version 2019).

In the translation and back-translation processes, no significant differences were identified between the versions, ensuring semantic and conceptual equivalence. The original, translated, and synthesized version were reviewed by the expert committee, and the pre-testing version was created. The pre-testing version was sent to the authors of the original APS who approved and did not suggest changes. Thirty patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 36.3 ± 17.35 years. The sample consisted of 19 women and 11 men, with a mean body mass index of 25.78 ± 4.58 kg/m2. The majority of participants (73.33%, n = 22) had a higher education level. The participants demonstrated a 90% level of understanding, meeting the established criterion for adequate comprehensibility.

The Portuguese version of the APS was translated and adapted, being clear, with satisfactory comprehensibility, and suitable for assessing individuals with chronic pain.

The Brazilian version of the APS will be an important tool for the assessment of musculoskeletal chronic pain in Brazil. Additional studies on its measurement properties should be conducted, which will provide important information to support the use of APS in clinical practice and research.