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High School Students' Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior by Motivational Profiles Toward
Daniel Mayorga-Vega1,2, Małgorzata Fajkowska3, Santiago Guijarro-Romero4
1University of Jaen.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|December 14, 2021
Summary
High school students with a self-determined motivation for physical activity (PA) showed lower sedentary behavior (SB) and higher PA levels. This finding supports Self-Determination Theory and can inform PA promotion policies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Science
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness in motivation.
- Understanding motivational profiles is crucial for promoting physical activity (PA) in adolescents.
- Previous research highlights the link between motivation and physical activity levels, but profiles in high school students require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct motivational profiles toward physical activity (PA) in high school students using a person-centered approach.
- To compare objectively measured PA and sedentary behavior (SB) levels across these identified motivational profiles.
- To examine the influence of motivational profiles on adolescent physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 360 high school students (aged 12-16 years).
- Objective measurement of PA and SB using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers over seven consecutive days.
- Assessment of motivation toward PA using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire and cluster analysis.
Main Results:
- Three motivational profiles were identified: 'Self-determined' (65.3%), 'Non-self-determined' (23.9%), and 'Controlled' (10.8%).
- The 'Self-determined' profile group exhibited significantly lower SB and higher light, moderate-to-vigorous, and total PA compared to the 'Non-self-determined' group.
- A higher percentage of males were found in the 'Self-determined' motivational profile cluster (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with a self-determined motivational profile demonstrate healthier PA and SB behaviors, aligning with Self-Determination Theory.
- These findings provide preliminary evidence for tailoring PA interventions based on motivational profiles.
- The results suggest potential for informing future public health policies aimed at increasing physical activity among students.
