Motivational component in the systematic adoption of physical activity practice

Abstract

Self-perception of physical activity is a key factor in motivation and the adoption of healthy habits, making its exploration essential alongside the study of basic physical capacities. In this context, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and a sentence completion test were administered to third-year students of the Physical Culture degree program. The objective was to analyze the motivational component and its influence on the systematic practice of physical activity. The research was conducted using theoretical methods—with emphasis on analytical-synthetic approaches—and empirical methods, including document review and surveys. A correlational design was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches aimed at establishing relationships between motivation and physical activity practice. The results showed that most students exhibit high or moderate levels of physical activity, with a strong association between intrinsic motivation and adherence to physical activity practice. The study allowed analyzing the relation between the motivational component and the incorporation to the practical systematics of physical activity evidencing a direct relationship between the subjective perception of the personal capacity, the pleasure in practice and the note in the active behavior. A literature review in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo revealed no prior studies on the application of the GPAQ among Physical Culture students in Cuba.