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Perceived health and motivation to physical activity in seniors

Publication at Faculty of Physical Education and Sport |
2012

Abstract

In the present study, we examine physical activity, perceived health and related motivational constructs in the group of 315 Czech seniors. We administered a battery of questionnaires to measure these three domains.

We found a significant relationship between physical activity and perceived physical and mental health. Considering the motivational constructs, we found a significant relationship between physical activity and perceived self-efficacy and social support.

On the other hand, we found less significant relationship between physical activity and explicit motivational strategies, such as planning, goal-setting and self-regulation. The results may indicate that physical activity of our respondents is predominantly habitual.

They probably do not focus on exercise itself but the physical activity may be a byproduct of other activities. This is supported also by the fact that the indicated physical activity of respondents stemmed mostly from everyday activities, such as walking, gardening or working around the house.