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The Relationship Between Motivation for Physical Activity, Physical Activity Level, and Body Mass Index for
Stefan Alecu1, Gheorghe Adrian Onea1, Dana Badau1
1Faculty of Physical Education and Mountain Sports, Transilvania University, 500068 Brasov, Romania.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 25, 2025
Summary
University students
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Sports Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity motivation and its relationship with physical activity levels and body mass index (BMI) are crucial for public health.
- Understanding gender differences in motivation and physical activity is essential for targeted health interventions.
- University students represent a key demographic for studying lifestyle behaviors and developing preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between motivation for physical activity, physical activity index (PAI), and body mass index (BMI) in university students.
- To investigate gender-specific differences in motivation, PAI, and BMI among university students.
- To analyze the interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and their correlation with BMI and PAI.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 813 university students (340 men, 473 women) aged 18-25 years participated.
- The Motivation for Physical Activity and Exercise (RM 4-FM) and Physical Activity Index (PAI) online questionnaires were utilized.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations and gender differences, with Cohen's d used for effect size.
Main Results:
- Significant gender differences were observed: men exhibited higher PAI (53.48 ± 28.11) and BMI (23.25) compared to women (PAI: 36.67 ± 23.92, BMI: 21.69).
- Large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.5) were found for the relationships between motivation, BMI, and PAI.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation showed complex interactions with BMI and PAI, varying by gender.
Conclusions:
- Gender significantly influences physical activity levels, BMI, and potentially motivational factors in university students.
- Interventions promoting physical activity should consider gender-specific motivational profiles and physical characteristics.
- This study offers insights into psychological factors and physical traits influencing proactive lifestyles in young adults.
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