Musculoskeletal chronic pain is a common condition that can limit daily and professional activities. Individuals with chronic pain may exhibit distinct activity-related behavior patterns. The Activity Management Inventory for Pain (AMI-P) is a 20-item instrument that evaluates behaviors related to rest, alternating and planned activities, as well as goals such as pain reduction, increased activity, and energy conservation. Although used in clinical and research contexts, the questionnaire has not yet been translated, adapted, or validated for the Brazilian population. A culturally adapted version of this instrument could provide a more accurate assessment of chronic pain.

To translate and adapt the AMI-P questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese.

This is a cross-sectional study that followed the recommendations of Beaton et al., 2000. This study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee. The original version of the AMI-P was translated into Portuguese by two Brazilian translators fluent in English. Subsequently, the translations were synthesized and then back translated into English by two native English speakers. Finally, a panel of experts reviewed all the translations and compared them with 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, with musculoskeletal low back chronic 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. All statistical analyses were conducted using Excel™ software (Microsoft, version 2019).

The translation and back-translation processes showed no major discrepancies between versions, confirming semantic and conceptual alignment with the original instrument. The expert committee carefully reviewed the pretest version and made minor refinements to improve clarity while preserving the original intent. This version was then submitted to the authors of the original AMI-P, who recommended adjustments to the terms "social activities," "be better able to complete the task," "get more done," "too," "the most," and "predefined time" to ensure greater conceptual consistency with the original scale. Thirty patients participated in the pre-testing phase, with a mean age of 36.3 ± 17.35 years, body mass index of 25.78 ± 4.58 kg/m2 and 19 (63, 33%) were women. The majority of participants (73.33%, n = 22) had a higher education level. The participants demonstrated a 90% level of understanding of all items of AMI-P, meeting the established criterion for adequate comprehensibility.

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the AMI-P was considered adequate and clear.

The Portuguese version of the AMI-P will be an important tool for the assessment of musculoskeletal chronic pain in Brazil. The assessment of the measurement properties is still necessary.