Analyzing the Perception of the Impact of Sports Practice on Students in School Settings

Abstract

Objectives. The importance of physical activity is often underestimated, particularly by students, although there is some scientific evidence to support this. There is a lack of data on studentsʼ perceptions of sports practice, focusing on the aspect of well-being and the positive benefits of the latter, including in the school environment. The objective is to quantify the impact of sports practice on the well-being of secondary school students in the school setting. Materials and methods. The sample taken consists of 25 students belonging to the first grades of the State Industrial Technical Institute “G. Cardano” in PAVIA. A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was developed in order to investigate the relationship between well-being and physical activity among the students. Then, the responses to the questionnaire questions were analyzed, applying chi-squared test analysis to understand any significance among the qualitative variables. Results. It was found that for the respondents, the relationship with sports is 16% indifferent, 4% not positive and 80% favorable. A first significant relationship was analyzed, between the amount in terms of frequency of sports activity and the studentsʼ feelings in the classroom while practicing (p = 0.001); and a second significant relationship was found between the amount in terms of frequency of sports activity and the studentsʼ feelings during the exercises (p = 0.003). Conclusions. The main conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that sports activity has a positive impact on studentsʼ school life, influencing their physical and emotional well-being, enhancing a sense of inclusion and empowerment, and increasing motivation to achieve personal goals.