Regular practical motivation for physical activity: an exploratory study with practitioners in gymnastics academies

Abstract

Motivation is understood inside the context of Self-determination theory. This suggests that a person can be motivated in different levels. This study aimed to verify significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the motivational rates of six dimensions (Stress Control, Health, Sociability, Competitive, Esthetics and Pleasure) and gender and age group. The IMPRAF-126 (Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividade Física) was answered by 300 fitness club users from Porto Alegre/RS of both genders and age between 18 and 65 years old. The differences had been interpreted in agreement to the self-determination theory and development human vital theory. An important finding was that the dimension Health is the one that more motivates the practitioners of gymnastics in academies, when controlled the following variable: Sex and Group of Ages. New studies must be leaded in order to verify possible differences in motivational profile when other variables are controlled.