Der Zusammenhang von körperlicher Aktivität, sportmotorischer Leistung und Bewegungsmotivation im späten Kindesalter – eine Querschnittstudie

Current research shows that children and young people do not get enough exercise in general. Their physical activity decreases the older they get. To change this situation, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the factors that influence their physical activity behaviour. To this end, the motivation to exercise is analysed based on self-determination theory in relation to sport motor performance and physical activity.

The cross-sectional study integrated 230 fifth graders aged 9 to 11 from five secondary schools in a large city in North Rhine–Westphalia. Questionnaires were used to collect data on ’need fulfilment and motivation to exercise’, ’physical activity’ and ’sports club participation’. In addition,’CHECK!’ was used to test sports motor performance. Bivariate correlation analyses examined the relationships between the factors ’motivation’ and ’activity’ as well as ’sports motor performance’. This was followed by a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the effects of motivation to exercise on physical activity and on sports motor performance.

The correlations found between self-determined motivation, sport motor performance and physical activity support the assumption that motivation plays a key role in children’s sport motor performance and activity. In addition, there is a medium correlation between the basic need for competence and the factor ’sport motor performance’ (r = 0.221; p = 0.045) as well as between social integration and ’physical activity’ (r = 0.305; p = 0.045).

The results of the regression analysis clearly show that self-determined motivation is an important indicator of both the level of physical activity and sport motor performance. These findings provide important insights for the development of potential interventions to improve motor skills and promote physical activity.