Motives For Participation In Physical Activity Research Articles

Motives for leisure-time physical activity participation: an analysis of their prevalence, consistency and associations with activity type and social background

BackgroundStudies argue that knowledge about motives for physical activity participation can inform activities, initiatives and interventions to promote physical activity. However, most of these studies are based on small sample sizes and only include participants within a few selected types of PA. Further, they have not examined the consistency of individuals’ motives across different activity types. As a result, this article examines RQ1: the most prevalent motives, RQ2: the association of motives with activity type and social background characteristics, and RQ3: the consistency of motives across different activity types.MethodsWe utilised data from a survey of physical activity participation among 163,000 adult Danes (aged 15 + years). In the survey, the participants were asked about their participation in thirteen activity types and about their motives for practising the activity types they reported to do at least weekly. The motive items were operationalised based on the eight dimensions in the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS). We conducted analyses of mean values and standard deviations as well as multilevel regression analyses.ResultsWe identified large differences in the importance of different motives for physical activity participation. The three most important motives were psychological condition (M = 4.54), physical condition (M = 4.48) and enjoyment (M = 4.36). We also found significant associations between motives and activity types in particular, but also between motives and social background characteristics (gender, age and educational level). For instance, we found that compared to running, physical condition was a much less important motive in outdoor activities (b = -3.01), activities on water (b = -2.44) and street sports (b = -2.38). Finally, our analysis showed how individuals’ motives are not consistent across different activity types.ConclusionsOur study contributes to the literature on motives for physical activity participation by using a large sample of individuals and by differentiating motives according to a wide range of activity types. The results underline the need to study motives in relation to activity types, as there are large differences in the prevalence of different motives. Our findings suggest that motives are not consistent across activity types, but rather they develop in an interplay between the individual and the activity type practised.

Motives for physical activity participation among Lebanese adults aged 15 to 50 Years: A cross-sectional study

Background: Sports participation motivations can be intrinsic, extrinsic, or even amotivational. Few studies on adult participation in PA have been found in the Lebanese context. This study aims to: a) investigate significant differences in sports participation motivation across gender, age, occupation, and time of practice, and b) investigate sports participation motives that discriminated the best between those variables.Material and methods: The Arabic version of the Sport Motivation Scale was collected electronically from 568 volunteers practicing regular PA for the last six months. Gender, occupation, marital status, and time of practice were all analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal Wallis Test with 0.05 as level of significance.Results: Internal motivation subscales (particularly the intention to accomplish) were the most influential motives for both genders. A significant difference across gender was reported in the extrinsic motivation and amotivation subscales. Furthermore, age, occupation, marital status, and time of practice show significant differences in motivation factors either dependent or regardless of gender distribution (p<0.05).Conclusion: no significant differences in the intrinsic motivation for sports participation between genders. Other factors, on the other hand, had a substantial impact.Research contribution: these findings are intended to contribute to a better understanding of differences in motivation for participating in PA and to aid in its promotion among Lebanese adults.

Physical Activity Motives in the Exercise and Self-Esteem Relationship

Aims and Objectives The purpose of this investigation was to extend research examining physical and social influences in the exercise/self-esteem relationship by investigating the moderating role of physical activity motives. Research reveals multiple motives for exercise participation beyond physical health enhancement. It is thought that these motives may play an important role in the relationship between exercise and self-esteem. Previous research has established the contribution of the physical self-system in the relationship. Furthermore, research examining the contribution social self-system has shown promise, yet the mechanisms operating in the relationship are less clear. It was hypothesized that motivation for physical activity participation may be such a mechanism. Results A population of 147 undergraduates completed assessments of physical activity participation, motives for physical activity, and physical, social and global self-perceptions. As expected, physical activity participation influenced self-esteem through both physical and social systems. Additionally, socially motivated exercisers exhibited greater self-esteem enhancement through the social as opposed to the physical self-system. Conclusion The hypothesis that physical activity motives would play an important role in determining the pathway through which physical activity participation influences self-esteem was partially supported. Results showed that those who reported social motives for physical activity showed greater enhancement in self-esteem through the social self-system, while physical motives did not serve a moderating role. The findings from the present investigation are important not only from the perspective of self-esteem theory but also with regard to the numerous practical implications of the results. The findings confirm that the relationship between exercise participation and self-esteem is more complex than previously thought in that physical activity participation influences self-esteem through multiple pathways. What remains to be investigated is how to best flesh out which pathway is more meaningful to the exerciser and then how to best serve the interests of the exerciser with the ultimate goal of enhancing self-esteem.

Motives and Barriers Affecting the Participation of Polish People in the Physical Activity of Nordic Walking.

The aim of the study was to identify motives and barriers which have the greatest influence on participation in Nordic Walking (NW) of people with normal body weight and persons who are either overweight or obese (according to their BMI). In the study, the modified Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) was used, which was designed to measure adult physical activity (PA) motivation. PALMS measures eight motives for participation in PA, on a 5-point Likert scale. The study was conducted during a NW competition and during training sessions of its participants. Two groups of respondents were taken into account: the first group with those with normal body weight and the second group with those who were overweight or obese. Respondents with normal body weight were more frequent participants of NW sessions. Enhanced body capacity, concern for one's health, improved body shape and lifespan extension were major motives of practicing NW. Polish people perceive PA as a means of improving the quality of life due to enhanced health and wellbeing. Subjects with normal body weight tended to mention lack of areas suitable for NW and lack of time due to professional work. Overweight or obese persons pointed to other types of PA, shyness and lack of time.

MHealth Support to Stimulate Physical Activity in Individuals With Intellectual Disability: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have low levels of physical activity (PA), and intervention studies on PA suggest inconsistent evidence. The use of technology as a means of motivation for PA has yet to be extensively explored and needs to be further investigated.ObjectiveWe aim to assess the feasibility and acceptability of procedures for an intervention arm in a future trial on mobile health (mHealth) to support PA for individuals with IDs. In addition, we aim to examine how the use of technology can influence motivation for PA among participants, their caregivers, and staff members.MethodsA mixed methods pilot study of an intervention arm will be carried out in a planned randomized controlled trial (RCT). Ten participants with ID and their caregivers or a staff member will be included. Information will always be provided by a caregiver or a staff member, or participants with ID if possible. Assessments will be carried out at baseline, follow-up after 4 weeks, and 12 weeks, and include questionnaires on PA, social support, self-efficacy, and challenging behavior. PA will be measured with 2 different activity trackers (Fitbit and Axivity) for 1 week at all assessments. Feasibility will be assessed as recruitment and adherence rate, missing data, usability of the motivational mHealth tool, and estimates of effectiveness. Acceptability of study procedures, activity measures, and motivation for participation in PA will be additionally assessed with qualitative methods at the end of the intervention.ResultsEnrollment commenced in May 2021. Data collection was completed in March 2022.ConclusionsThis pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures of the intervention arm of a planned RCT to address feasibility issues, improve study procedures, and estimate effectiveness of the study measures. How the use of technology can influence motivation for PA will also be examined, which can help guide and improve future PA interventions involving the use of technology.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04929106; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929106International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37849

Motives for physical activity participation: does religious faith play a mediating role?

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the role of religious faith (i.e., a mediation effect) on the motivation for and participation in physical activity (PA) among adults. The participants consisted of 689 volunteers (390 males, 299 females) aged 18–65 years (mean age = 25.67; SD = 8.92) from various ethnic groups. Participants identified their religion as Islam (77.4%), Christianity (12.2%), Buddhism (6.8%), Hinduism (3.5%), or Catholicism (0.1%). They completed the Malay version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale, and the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire. To explore the factorial structure of PALMS, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with varimax and Kaiser normalisation was conducted. The construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were also established. The results showed that the direct effect of extrinsic motives on PA participation was positive and significant (β = 0.256, p < 0.001) and the intrinsic motives for PA participation were also positive and significant (β = 0.115, p < 0.05). However, there were no mediated effects between intrinsic and extrinsic motives and PA participation. The results indicate that religious faith did not play a mediating role in PA participation. A possible explanation for this might be that there may be unobserved mediators such as religious activities (e.g., attending worship services) acting between motives and PA participation. Therefore, future studies are needed to examine religious activity as a potential mediator for better understanding the role of religious faith in PA participation.

Lise Öğrencilerinde Sosyal Görünüş Kaygısı ve Fiziksel Aktiviteye Katılım Motivasyonu İlişkisi

Bu araştırmanın amacı, lise öğrencilerinin sosyal görünüş kaygısı ve fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonu düzeylerini bazı değişkenlere göre incelemek ve aralarındaki ilişkiyi belirlemektir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, Ağrı ve Erzincan illerinde yer alan liselerde öğrenim gören 337 kız öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak ‘Sosyal Görünüş Kaygısı Ölçeği (SGKÖ)’ ve ‘Fiziksel Aktiviteye Katılım Motivasyonu Ölçeği (FAKMÖ)’ kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde; betimsel istatistik yöntemler, t-testi, ANOVA ve Pearson Correlation testleri kullanılmıştır. Katılımcıların sosyal görünüş kaygıları düşük düzeyde, fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonu algıları ise orta seviyenin üzerindedir. Öğrencilerin sosyal görünüş kaygısı düzeyleri sınıf ve okul takımında yer alma durumu değişkenlerine göre anlamlı bir şekilde farklılaşmazken, fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonu algıları ise anlamlı bir şekilde farklılaşmaktadır. Katılımcıların sosyal görünüş kaygısı ve fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonu algıları gelir, anne eğitim durumu ve baba eğitim durumu değişkenlerine göre anlamlı bir şekilde farklılaşmamaktadır. Diğer yandan SGKÖ ve FAKMÖ’den alınan puanlar arasındaki korelasyon katsayısı, sosyal görünüş kaygısı ve fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonunun ‘Nedensizlik’ alt boyutunda negatif yönde ve orta düzeyde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğunu göstermektedir.

Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People

BackgroundEngagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance.MethodsA qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach.ResultsFour main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”).ConclusionsFeatures enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.

Physical activity for health and wellbeing: the role of motives for participation

Health professionals have increasing concern about physical health and wellbeing, as life globally becomes more demanding and stressful, yet people are less active, due to mechanization and automation of work and leisure. Increasing the amount of physical activity (PA) people do is now recognized as a global health priority, but PA continues to decline in many countries. Research on motives for participating in PA shows they have a role in PA promotion. We review theory and research on motives for participation in PA. Then, we describe development and validation of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS), a 40-item measure that includes eight motives. We report on the international validation of PALMS, showing its robustness to varia-tions in language and culture. We describe the development of a youth version, PALMS-Y, and a broader ver-sion that adds motives related to extreme sports. Next, we discuss PALMS research that has examined differ-ences in primary motives based on gender, age, and type of PA, as well as factorial structure invariance. We then consider studies investigating the influence of psychological variables on the relationship between mo-tives for participation in PA and the amount of PA individuals undertake, including self-efficacy, mindfulness, and passion. To aid in the consistent presentation of PA participation motives, we describe a form of motiva-tional profiling for use in research and practice. Finally, we propose ways that motives for participation in PA can be used in interventions to increase PA participation, by matching individuals’ primary motives to the type of PA associated with those motives in large PA samples, or using techniques, such as imagery, to enhance key motives. This should achieve the aim of enhancing health and psychological wellbeing around the world.

Obesity and physical fitness indices of children aged 5-12 years living on remote and isolated islands.

Obesity has become one of the major health risks in childhood, significantly affecting children's health and physical fitness. Although the marked increase of obesity in urban areas is well established, evidence is limited in remote and isolated areas with adverse socioeconomic features. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity and its association with physical performance indices in young school-aged children living in 18 remote and isolated Greek islands. Four hundred and sixty-three children (244 boys, 219 girls), aged 5-12 years underwent a series of physical fitness tests including 20 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 kg medicine ball throw, agility T-test and sit-and-reach test. Age and gender BMI cut-off points were determined according to World Health Organisation (WHO) norms. The prevalence of obesity was 23.8% and 13.2% for boys and girls, respectively. A negative body mass index (BMI) main effect was observed for weight-bearing activities, such as 20 m sprint (F=6.21, p=0.000, &eta;2=0.041) and standing long jump (F=11.369, p=0.000, &eta;2=0.074), while medicine ball throw was positively correlated with BMI in children aged 9-12 years. The results of this study confirmed previous findings on obesity prevalence in Greece. A negative association was also found between BMI and physical fitness indices and, in particular, in weight-bearing activities. It is critical to establish physical education interventions and physical fitness programs at schools, aiming to increase motivation for physical activity participation.

체계적 문헌 고찰을 통한 장애인의 신체활동 참여 동기 분석

체계적 문헌 고찰을 통한 장애인의 신체활동 참여 동기 분석

Understanding college student’s motivation for physical activity participation: The role of gender, sport type and activity level

The present study aimed to investigate the motivational factors which has an influence on college students’ participation in recreational physical activities. In this sense, gender, sport type (team or/and individual sport) and level of physical activity (MET scores) differences within motivational dimensions were examined. In the frame of the current study, a convenience sampling strategy was utilized. 383 Middle East Technical University students (Mage= 21.42, SD=3.30) voluntarily participated to this study. Data were gathered with an instrument composing of three sections; a demographic information part, a self-report instrument for measuring physical activity, and Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS). Physical condition was found to be the most important participation motive, On the other hand, others expectations motive was the least important physical activity participation motive for Turkish college students. When physical activity participation motivations were compared with regard to gender, there was not any significant difference except for the appearance motivation. Females rated appearance motive lower than males for engaging in physical activity. However, significant sport type and level of physical activity differences were found. One-way MANOVA results revealed that team sport participants had significantly higher other’s expectations motivation with compared to individual sport participants. With respect to activity level difference, higher physically active participants have higher motivations and there were significant differences in competition, mastery and enjoyment motivations among medium and vigorous level physical activity participants. The knowledge of the most significant motives for physical activity participation according to variations of the individuals can help practitioners to lead individuals to activities that best suit them and that best motivate them which is very important to start and continue to any physical activity. // // // //

“To Feel Better”

Physical inactivity has been identified as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions so understanding motives for physical activity participation of inactive employees could better inform worksite activity interventions. PURPOSE: To examine self-identified motivators for inactive faculty and staff to be more physically active. METHODS: Employees at a Midwestern mid-sized public university were recruited via employee email to participate in an 8-week pedometer-based physical activity intervention that included weekly behavioral education meetings the first four weeks of the program. Only employees currently not meeting minimum physical activity recommendations (<150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity/week) could enroll. At the start of the intervention, program participants (n=58) were asked to write down their top motivators for being physically active. They were then asked to rank their top three motives. The top three motives for each participant (n=174) were analyzed qualitatively by a content analysis. Motives were coded and organized into categories and sub-categories. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the top categories of motivators for being physically active were 1) weight related (n=40), 2) improve mental health (n=24), 3) impact future health (n=19), 4) improve health now (n=18), and, 5) family (n=17). Top motives identified were a mix of both short-term and long-term motives. There were only a scant number (n=3) of intrinsic motivators identified. CONCLUSION: Participants were encouraged to be specific in identifying their top motives (i.e. “decrease/eliminate prescription medicines” vs. “health benefits”). An interesting category emerged with many participants using the exact statement, “to feel better” considering the relative subjectivity of the statement. Furthermore, participants rarely identified enjoyment of physical activity itself as a motivator. Future interventions should focus on helping participants identify types of activities they enjoy to try to promote intrinsic motivation for physical activity adoption and adherence.

English

The purpose of this study was to explore the motives for participating in physical activity, and to compare motives with respect to gender and age in pupils aged from 9 to 11 years in Turkey. The participants were 400 voluntary pupils (205 females and 195 males) from a total of four public schools in the center of Cappadocia region. Authorization of parents, teachers and principals were ensured at all times. Data were gathered by &ldquo;Questionnaire of Motives for Physical Activity Participation&rdquo;. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four factor solution -psychological, cognitive, physical, and social aspects of motives- explaining 60.3% of the variance with 30 possible reasons for participating in physical activity in daily life. Internal consistency coefficient was a=.88 for the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics showed that the most important motives for being physically active were social factors (M=2.28&plusmn;.69), it was followed in order of importance by psychological factors (M=2.25&plusmn;.63), physical factors (M=2.20&plusmn;.51) and cognitive factors (M=1.82&plusmn;.63). The most indicated social motive was &ldquo;to be and play with friends&rdquo;, while the least were &ldquo;social events as tournament participation&rdquo; and &ldquo;to be well-known and popular&rdquo;. Kruskal Wallis Test showed that mean ranks on cognitive and physical motives were significantly different according to age, increasing in importance from age 9 to 11 (p&lt;.05*). Mann-Whitney U test showed that there was no significant difference on participation motives regarding gender (p&gt;.05) in primary school students. Key words: Physical activity, motivation, participation, Turkish students.

Validating the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS).

BackgroundAlthough there is abundant evidence to recommend a physically active lifestyle, adult physical activity (PA) levels have declined over the past two decades. In order to understand why this happens, numerous studies have been conducted to uncover the reasons for people’s participation in PA. Often, the measures used were not broad enough to reflect all the reasons for participation in PA. The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) was created to be a comprehensive tool measuring motives for participating in PA. This 40-item scale related to participation in sport and PA is designed for adolescents and adults. Five items constitute each of the eight sub-scales (mastery, enjoyment, psychological condition, physical condition, appearance, other’s expectations, affiliation, competition/ego) reflecting motives for participation in PA that can be categorized as features of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation based on self-determination theory. The aim of the current study was to validate the PALMS in the cultural context of Malaysia, including to assess how well the PALMS captures the same information as the Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure (REMM).MethodTo do so, 502 Malaysian volunteer participants, aged 18 to 67 years (mean ± SD; 31.55 ± 11.87 years), from a variety of PA categories, including individual sports, team sports, martial arts and exercise, completed the study.ResultsThe hypothesized 8-factor model demonstrated a good fit with the data (CMIN/DF = 2.820, NFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = 0.79) indicated good internal consistency for the overall measure. Internal consistency for the PALMS subscales was sound, ranging from 0.78 to 0.82. The correlations between each PALMS sub-scale and the corresponding sub-scale on the validated REMM (the 73-item questionnaire from which the PALMS was developed) were also high and varied from 0.79 to 0.95. Also, test-retest reliability for the questionnaire sub-scales was between 0.78 and 0.94 over a 4-week period.ConclusionsIn this sample, the PALMS demonstrated acceptable factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity. It was applicable to diverse physical activity contexts.

A qualitative investigation of attitudes towards aerobic and resistance exercise amongst overweight and obese individuals.

BackgroundMost people are not meeting the minimal requirements for physical activity participation, particularly people who are overweight or obese. Numerous initiatives have been developed which aim to increase levels of physical activity in this group, yet little is known about their feelings towards different types of exercise. In particular, resistance exercise may offer unique benefits to people seeking to lose weight, yet no study to date has examined views of resistance exercise amongst the overweight and obese. This qualitative study examined the views and attitudes towards aerobic and resistance exercise amongst overweight and obese individuals engaged in a weight management clinic.Methods30 overweight and obese patients comprised of 25 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 40.7 years (SD = 15.2) and mean BMI of 33.8 kg/m2 (SD = 7.9) were recruited from a dietetic clinic to take part in baseline focus groups and interviews to assess their views on physical activity. After selecting and participating in a 12 week aerobic- or resistance-exercise program, the participants took part in follow-up interviews. Thematic analysis was then performed on the transcribed focus group and interview data.ResultsFor the overweight and obese women in this study, weight loss was the primary motivation for physical activity participation. Subsequently, these women perceived a failure to lose weight as strongly affecting their motivation to continue or re-engage in physical activity. Only 3 participants selected the resistance exercise option. The view of resistance exercise as a masculine activity was a dominant theme amongst all participants. A lack of knowledge of how to perform certain exercises emerged as a barrier, but was seen by the participants as surmountable given appropriate instruction.ConclusionsThe females in this study cited weight loss as a primary motivation for physical activity participation. This view must be reconciled with the existing knowledge base of physical activity requirements for successful weight loss and maintenance. Participants in this study had little awareness or experience of resistance exercise, and many were fearful of the potential risks.

Relationship between beliefs, motivation, and worries about physical activity and physical activity participation in persons with rheumatoid arthritis

To determine the relationship between beliefs, motivation, and worries about physical activity and physical activity participation in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A cross-sectional study used baseline data from 185 adults with RA enrolled in a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of an intervention to promote physical activity. Data included patients' self-reported beliefs that physical activity can be beneficial for their disease, motivation for physical activity participation, worries about physical activity participation, and average daily accelerometer counts of activity over a week's time. Body mass index (BMI), sex, age, race, and disease activity were measured as potential statistical moderators of physical activity. Physical activity participation was greater for those with higher scores on scales measuring beliefs that physical activity is beneficial for their disease (P for trend = 0.032) and motivation for physical activity participation (P for trend = 0.007) when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, race, and disease activity. There was a positive but nonsignificant trend in physical activity participation in relation to worries. Stronger beliefs that physical activity can be helpful for managing disease and increased motivation to engage in physical activity are related to higher levels of physical activity participation. These data provide a preliminary empirical rationale for why interventions targeting these concepts should lead to improved physical activity participation in adults with RA.