Physical Activity Level In Students Regarding Age, Gender, Sport And Motivational Climate

The aim of this study is to know the level of physical activity and motivational orientation based on gender, age and the type of sport practiced in students. Sample was made up of a total of 285 students (150 boys and 135 girls), ages between 11 and 18 years (mean age = 14.85 +/- 3.42 years), who were administered the questionnaires Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise y Goal Orientation in Exercise Scale. The results showed that the level of practice of physical activity in students is medium-low, which is significantly higher in boys than in girls, and decreases significantly with increasing the age. In addition, collective sports practitioners have higher levels of physical activity than individual sports practitioners. Regarding motivational orientation, no significant differences were found based on gender, age and type of sport. However, boys showed higher values of ego orientation than girls. Furthermore, a positive and significant association is found between task orientation and physical activity level. This work is very useful information for the Physical Education teachers to promote motivational strategies to increase the levels of physical activity in the students.