Examining Sport Science Students’ Motivation and Enjoyment Toward Physical Activity During Pandemic Movement Control Order

Mak, Hee An (2021) Examining Sport Science Students’ Motivation and Enjoyment Toward Physical Activity During Pandemic Movement Control Order. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the motivation and enjoyment towards physical activity participation during the pandemic movement control order (MCO) among university college students. A total of 190 sports science students from a private university college (146 males, 44 females, age=20.71±1.59 years) participated in this study via online survey. The survey instrument collected demographic data, motivation to perform physical activity, and exercise enjoyment data. Demographic data analyses showed the top three preferred activities of the respondents during the MCO were watching televisions/serials/movies/news, listening to music, and playing games/sports. The most popular physical activity and in order of importance were exercise without machine, aerobic exercises, and low impact cardio workout respectively. In terms of Physical Activity Index (PAI), only about 20 percent of the respondents was in the ‘good category’, 62 percent in the ‘average/fair’ category, and 18 percent was in the ‘needs improvement’ category. Inferential statistical results showed significant differences in motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation) according to PAI category. Differences were also found in intrinsic motivation towards exercise according to living arrangement, in extrinsic motivation according to BMI category, and in amotivation according to age category. As for enjoyment towards physical activity participation, results revealed significant differences according to age category, education level, marital status, living arrangement, BMI category, and PAI category. Further statistical analyses showed younger students (19 years old and below group) had higher motivation towards physical activity, and greater exercise enjoyment as compared to older student groups. Our findings showed that those who have higher perceived exercise enjoyment and higher motivation for physical activity are more likely to engage in higher physical activity levels. The findings of this study could be used to develop intervention programmes to promote active lifestyles during pandemic situations.