Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Self-determined motivation and students' physical activity during structured physical education lessons and free
Chris Lonsdale1, Catherine M Sabiston, Thomas D Raedeke
1School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Objective:
Various organizations have suggested that physical education (PE) should play a central role in increasing adolescents' physical activity (PA) levels. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between students' self-determined motivation and their PA behavior during a structured PE lesson led by their teacher and a free-choice period in which they were not required to be active.
Methods:
528 Hong Kong students (mean age=15.78 years) participated in this study in April and May 2007. Situational Motivation Scale scores were used to form high and low self-determined motivation groups. Students wore a pedometer during a 20-minute structured basketball lesson and a 20-minute free choice period, during which they did not receive instruction.
Results:
ANOVA revealed that self-determined motivation and PE class environments which provided students opportunities to make choices were related to greater PA. Furthermore, the difference in PA between the high and low self-determined groups was greater in the free-choice condition than the structured lesson, suggesting that self-determined motivation is especially important when students are not supervised.
Conclusion:
Findings indicated that promoting self-determined motivation may be an effective means of ensuring that PE programs are able to increase PA levels, foster self-initiated PA behaviors, and enhance adolescents' health.
Related Concept Videos
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
Self-Efficacy
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation
Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation
The theory differentiates between intrinsic and...
