2014, Volume 6, Issue 1

Motivations for undertaking physical activity by first-year students of Faculty of Physical Education in 2000 and 2010

Alicja Nowak-Zaleska¹, Ryszard Zaleski², Barbara Wilk³, Anna Walentukiewicz⁴, Marcin Pasek<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Biology, Ecology and Sports Medicine, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk
²Outpatient Clinic of Sport Medicine NZOZ ETER-MED in Gdansk
³Department of Public Health, Olsztyn Higher School
⁴Department of Health Promotion, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdans


Author for correspondence: Alicja Nowak-Zaleska; Department of Biology, Ecology and Sports Medicine, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdansk; email: azaleska[at]awf.gda.pl

Full text

Abstract

Background: During the last several years, diametrical difference in attitude to physical activity in youth has been noticed. Engagement in any form of physical activity always goes together with motivation for its undertaking, most often connected with realization of personal expectations. Its sources are perceived, among others, in interior factors, such as: joy resulting from participation in physical activity itself, personal achievements, and pleasure of finding release in movement or social contacts, e.g. spending time with friends. The present paper attempts to assess the motivation for additional physical activity undertaken by first-year students of the Faculty of Physical Education at the Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in 2000 and 2010 in their free time.
Material/Methods: The research involved first-year students studying at the Faculty of Physical Education at the Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport in the years 2000 and 2010. Generally, 639 students (42% women and 58% men) were examined. The research was conducted by means of a diagnostic poll with the use of authors’ own
questionnaire.
Results: The students from 2000 differed in a statistically significant way in taking care of their health, looks and figure and they were enjoying physical activity more. Important statistical differences were noted in undertaking physical activity in order to socialize in the following time points of the research. Both groups of students from 2000 and 2010, quoted a lack of financial means as the main reason limiting their physical activity.
Conclusions: The research indicates the difference in motivation for physical activity between firstyear students in 2000 and 2010.

Key words: physical activity, students, motivations for physical activity