241509 Relation of Fitness ASSESSMENT Feedback to Intrinsic Motivation and Physical Activity Among College STUDENT

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Laura Chandler, MPH, DrPH (abd) , Dept of Health Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA
Background: Fitness assessments are commonly used as a motivational tool in fitness classes and fitness training. However, there is little research on their actual effect. The purpose of this study was to explore how fitness assessment results may affect intrinsic motivation for physical activity in college students. Methods: A total of 430 college students were sampled from a university located in the south-western region of the United States. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with three groups (intervention and two controls) being surveyed at four time points during a semester. Results: Intrinsic motivation and competence diminished significantly in the group receiving fitness assessment results as compared to either control group. In addition, this finding did not depend upon the subjects' perception of their fitness assessment. Regardless of how they perceived their results, positive or negative, competence and intrinsic motivation was diminished. Conclusion: The implementation of fitness assessments and distribution of the results may actually hinder intrinsic motivation toward physical activity.

Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the session: Participants will be able to describe the self determination theory and it's main constructs: intrinisic motivation, competency and autonomy. Participants will be able to explain the study design and general results to colleagues. Participants will be able to evaluate and determine the appropriate uses of fitness assessments with regard to physical activity programs in the community.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I teach and do research in the field of health promotion specifically in the areas of physical activity and nutrition.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Promotion of Physical Activity among Adults
See more of: Physical Activity