Chronic pain affects between 11% and 40% of the North American population, while in Brazil, this number can range from 23% to 76%, a significant prevalence that primarily affects females. Furthermore, this condition is considered the leading cause of disability in the general population. Individuals with chronic pain activity may have changed patterns of activities, including behaviors related to rest and alternating and planned activities. The assessment of patterns of activities is important for planning the treatments using adequate instruments, such as the Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain (POAM-P). However, POAM-P has not yet been translated and culturally adapted to be used in Brazil.

To translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapt the POAM-P.

This is a cross-sectional observational study, conducted according to the recommendations for the translation and cultural adaptation process, and approved by the research ethics committee. The POAM-P was translated by two Brazilians fluent in English. Afterward, the translations were synthesized and then back translated into English by two native English speakers. Finally, a committee of experts reviewed all the translations and the original version to formulate the pretest version. The comprehensibility of the items in the pretest version was evaluated in 30 individuals. The pretesting phase included individuals of both sexes, aged over 18 years old, with chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least 3 months and an intensity greater than 3 on the 11-point numerical pain scale. Each participant responded to the questionnaire, reported their understanding, and suggested modifications to the instrument. The instrument was considered acceptable if 90% of participants understood all the questions.

The translation and back-translation processes did not reveal significant discrepancies between versions, ensuring semantic and conceptual equivalence with the original instrument. The expert committee reviewed the pre-testing version, making minor adjustments to enhance clarity while maintaining the original meaning. The pretest version was then sent to the authors of the original POAM-P, who suggested changes to the terms “pacing” and “overdoing” to better align with the meaning in the original version. . In the pre-test phase, 30 individuals with chronic pain and a mean age of 43.97 ± 16.4 years participated, with a predominance of females (n = 23, 76.67%) and body mass index of 28.62 ± 5.49 kg/m2. Regarding the main complaints, the trunk region stands out (n = 15, 50%), followed by lower limbs (11, 36.67%) and upper limbs (4, 13.33%). The score on the 11-point numerical pain scale obtained an average of 6.10 ± 2.21 and pain duration (in years) of 7.88 ± 9.02. All items reached an understanding above 90%, indicating adequate comprehensibility. In addition, the individuals did not suggest changes in the items of the POAM-P.

The final version in Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the POAM-P was completed and considered appropriate and clear.

This instrument will be relevant for clinical practice regarding the evaluation of individuals with chronic pain, in addition to serving as an outcome measure to monitor therapeutic strategies for reducing disability in these individuals.