Abstract
Objective: Regular physical activity participation in childhood is very important in growth and development due to its positive contribution to bone and muscle development as well as maintaining a healthy life. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that motivate adolescent children's participation in physical activity.
Material and Methods: In this study, survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used. Participants consisted of a sample group of the Turkish population (n=550; 41.8% female, 58.2% male). Participants answered questions about their motivation to participate in physical activity, as well as sociodemographic characteristics. A physical activity motivation scale was used to determine the physical activity motivators of the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0.
Results: According to the findings of this study, the participants' motivation to participate in physical activity was determined to be high. When girls and boys were compared, in total and in all sub-dimensions, individual reasons, environmental reasons and no reason sub-dimension of boys' physical activity participation motivation were found to be higher than girls. A significant difference was found between the total scores of the Physical Activity Participation Motivation Scale according to monthly income levels. According to the monthly income status, the motivation to participate in physical activity was found to be higher in the total Physical Activity Participation Motivation Scale and individual reasons sub-dimension of those with a very high income level. There was no statistically significant difference between body mass index status and physical activity participation motivations.
Conclusion: From the adolescents' point of view, the factors that motivated their participation in physical activity were as follows: It makes me feel good, increases my self-confidence, and entertains me a lot. Educational institution-centered action strategies and physical activity intervention programs need to be developed to effectively promote the adoption of active lifestyles among adolescents.