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ERIC Number: EJ832305
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1937-0814
EISSN: N/A
Students' Motivation, Physical Activity Levels, & Health-Related Physical Fitness in Middle School Physical Education
Gao, Zan; Newton, Maria; Carson, Russell L.
Middle Grades Research Journal, v3 n4 p21-39 Win 2008
This study examines the predictive utility of students' motivation (self-efficacy and task values) to their physical activity levels and health-related physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength/endurance) in middle school fitness activity classes. Participants (N = 305) responded to questionnaires assessing their self-efficacy and task values (perceptions of importance, interest, and usefulness) toward fitness activities near the end of the school year. They completed the PACER and curl-up tests to measure their cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength/endurance, respectively. Then their physical activity levels in one fitness class were measured via pedometers during a 1-week follow-up. Regression analyses suggested that students' self-efficacy, perceptions of importance, interest, and usefulness of fitness made significant contributions to the prediction of their physical activity levels in class. Self-efficacy was the only significant predictor of cardiovascular fitness, whereas none of the motivational variables emerged as predictor of muscular strength/endurance. The educational implications are provided for teachers and health professionals. (Contains 2 tables.)
Institute for School Improvement, Missouri State University. 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897. Tel: 417-836-8854; Fax: 417-836-8881; Web site: http://www.isi.missouristate.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A