Author(s): GROßE SIEMER, J., BELOW, T., BRAKSIEK, M., THIENES, G. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF VECHTA , Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 1004

INTRODUCTION:
In Europe, the majority of sport participation occurs in informal, self-organised contexts (Bergsgard, 2025), often lacking professional guidance. However, little is known about the quality of this training or the competence of individuals to train themselves in a goal-oriented and sustainable manner. The aim of this study was therefore to develop and validate an instrument for assessing perceived training competence in strength and endurance.
METHODS:
Based on conceptual models of the training process (Impellizzeri et al., 2019) and expert surveys, an item pool was generated, which was tested on an initial subsample of young adults (n = 692; M_age = 18.39 ± 2.9) and optimized based on item analyses and exploratory factor analysis. The resulting factor structure was subsequently tested in a second subsample (n = 347; M_age = 18.28 ± 2.6) using confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was tested across sex, sport activity and sports club membership. Criterion validity was examined using the physical self-concept (endurance, strength) as external criteria, controlling for physical activity (Hair et al., 2019).
RESULTS:
The exploratory factor analysis revealed a simple structure with the factors training planning, implementation and control for endurance and strength respectively. In the subsequent confirmatory test, this model was confirmed with a good fit (CFI = .912, TLI = .908, RMSEA = .054, SRMR = .051) and adequate factor and indicator reliability (composite reliability ω ≥ 0.91, squared multiple correlations ≥ .43). Measurement invariance across sex, sport activity and sports club membership was supported at the configural, metric, and scalar level (ΔCFI ≤ .01; ΔRMSEA ≤ .015). In addition, significant correlations were found between the scales and the corresponding part of the physical self-concept.
CONCLUSION:
The newly developed scales can be used both for individual reflection and identification of development potential and in fitness and health contexts to determine the support needs of trainees. In addition, they serve to evaluate interventions for teaching training competence. The scales thus contribute to the optimisation of individual training processes and to the quality assurance of training-related educational programmes.

References
Bergsgard, N. A. (2025). Factors that determine the level of participation in sport and exercise—An analyze of public policy for sport and exercise in European countries. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, 1633869. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1633869
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis (Eighth edition). Cengage.
Impellizzeri, F. M., Marcora, S. M., & Coutts, A. J. (2019). Internal and External Training Load: 15 Years On. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 14(2), 270–273. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0935