Search Results (23)

Background: Exercise is known to help with the effects of the menopause, but women from low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to exercise less at this stage of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological effects of a Zumba Gold^® community-based intervention in postmenopausal women from low SES. Methods: Forty-three women were divided into a Zumba Gold^® (ZG) and control (C) group, and participated in pre- and post-testing sessions, separated by a 12-week intervention period. The outcomes measured were: body composition, sit-to-stand (STS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), balance, Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI-20), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), Behavioral Regulations in Exercise (BREQ-2), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Connectedness questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were also performed on 15 ZG participants. Results: The results showed significant improvements in the ZG group only for STS, 6MWT, mental health, fatigue (general, physical, and mental), social connectedness score, and a significantly lower level of amotivation. Zumba Gold^® had positive effects on four main themes: belonging, non-judgmental place, psychological motivational factors, and mind–body connection. Conclusions:This is the first study to show that ZG is beneficial for this population and encourages similar studies on other aspects of the menopause. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Spain, a high proportion of children do not meet the recommended daily levels of physical activity (PA), which highlights the urgent need to understand the motivational factors that could influence PA behavior. Self-Determination Theory is a widely used approach for assessing motivation toward exercise, employing instruments such as the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3). However, despite the cognitive and linguistic differences that limit its direct application, this tool has not yet been adapted for children aged 6–12 years. This study aimed to adapt the BREQ-3 for use with Spanish schoolchildren and to evaluate its validity and reliability in this age group. Methods: The BREQ-3 for children (BREQ-3C) was linguistically and culturally adapted. Comprehension was tested through cognitive interviews, and reliability was assessed via a test–retest with 125 Spanish schoolchildren. Statistical analyses: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate validity and reliability. Results: CFA supported the factorial structure of the adapted BREQ-3 for primary schoolchildren, showing acceptable model fit indices (chi-square minimum discrepancy/degrees of freedom (CMIN/df) = 1.552, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.891, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.870). Internal consistency ranged from poor to excellent for all items and the total score of the questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha (α): 0.535 to 0.911), except for items 3, 13, 20, and 21, where the internal consistency was unacceptable. Test–retest reliability was generally satisfactory, with ICC values indicating fair to excellent temporal stability (ICC: 0.248 to 0.911). The measurement error indicators (standard error of measurement percentage (SEM%) and minimal detectable change percentage (MDC%)) varied widely, particularly for the less reliable items. Most item scores were not significantly different between the test and retest groups, although items 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, 19, and 20 were significantly different. Conclusions: The BREQ-3C has promising psychometric properties for assessing exercise motivation in children aged 6–12 years. This tool shows potential for use in research, education, and health interventions to understand and promote physical activity motivation in primary schools. Full article

Background: Despite the well-documented physical and psychological benefits of regular physical activity (PA) and exercise, participation remains insufficient in adults with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). In the general population, PA enjoyment is a key determinant of sustained engagement, yet its predictors in CF populations remain underexplored. Objective: We aimed to examine associations between clinical parameters, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), motivation and PA enjoyment in adult pwCF. We hypothesised that higher intrinsic motivation and better HRQoL would predict greater enjoyment, independent of clinical parameters. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 197 adult pwCF (mean age = 36.6 ± 11.9 years) from a single centre completed validated questionnaires assessing PA and exercise enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, PACES), motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2, BREQ-2), and HRQoL (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised, CFQ-R). Hierarchical regression was conducted in three steps: clinical variables (Model 1), added HRQoL domains (Model 2), and motivational variables (Model 3). Results: The complete model explained 68.4% of the variance in PA and exercise enjoyment (R² = 0.684, p < 0.001). Intrinsic motivation was the strongest positive predictor (β = 6.228, p < 0.001), while external regulation negatively predicted enjoyment (β = −1.932, p = 0.030). Among HRQoL domains, only health perception remained significant (β = 0.081, p = 0.038). Clinical variables alone accounted for minimal variance (R² = 0.023, p = 0.370). Conclusions: Intrinsic motivation was the most robust predictor of PA and exercise enjoyment, outweighing clinical and most HRQoL factors. These findings support autonomy-supportive strategies to foster internal motivation and enhance long-term PA and exercise participation in adult pwCF. Full article

This study aimed to adapt and analyze the psychometric properties of the Exercise Behavior Regulation Questionnaire (BREQ-3) for assessing motivation towards incidental physical activity. An instrumental study in a sample of 346 university students (21.1 ± 2.6 years, and 61.3% women) from various universities in Chile was undertaken. An adaptation of the BREQ-3 was applied, and a confirmatory factor analysis was performed using a robust weighted least squares estimator to assess the construct validity of the scale. Also, the convergent validity was evaluated using the average variance extracted, the discriminant validity using composite reliability, and the internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha (α) and McDonald’s omega (ω) coefficients. The six-factor structure of intrinsic motivation (α = 0.96, ω = 0.96), integrated regulation (α = 0.95, ω = 0.95), identified regulation (α = 0.89, ω = 0.90), introjected regulation (α = 0.75, ω = 0.77), external regulation (α = 0.80, ω = 0.83), and amotivation (α = 0.75, ω = 0.79), with acceptable fit indices after eliminating items 8 and 11, was confirmed—χ²/df: 2.196, CFI: 0.99, TLI: 0.99, RMSEA: 0.059 (90% CI; 0.051–0.067). Adaptation of the BREQ-3 appears to be a reliable measure for assessing motivation in the context of incidental physical activity. Its use will contribute to understanding the explanatory mechanisms underlying this behavior. Full article

The study aimed to investigate the reliability, construct, and discriminant validity of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in Brazilian adults aged 50 years or older. The study assessed motivation for exercise, peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, cardiovascular fitness, and frailty phenotype. Two raters independently applied the BREQ-3. The reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and agreement. Construct validity was tested with Spearman’s correlation coefficient and discriminant validity with the Kruskal–Wallis test. Eighty individuals participated in the reliability study, and 136 participated in the validation study. Motivational regulation and Self-Determination Index (SDI) internal consistency ranged from 0.55 to 0.82. Test–retest reliability ranged from 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.85) to 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.94), and inter-rater ranged from 0.80 (95% CI 0.68–0.87) to 0.92 (95% CI 0.88–0.95), except for amotivation, which had poor inter-rater and test–retest reliability. Additionally, moderate to weak correlations between various types of motivation and physical function tests were found (p < 0.05). Frail and pre-frail participants had lower SDI, integrated, and intrinsic motivation regulation than non-frail individuals (p < 0.05). This study confirmed the reliability, construct, and discriminative validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the BREQ-3 for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in older adults. Full article

This study aims to investigate the correlation between exercise participation motivation and social physique anxiety and their differences across the exercise stages of change in individuals. A convenience sampling technique was used to gather data from 374 sedentary individuals aged 18 and over, using a questionnaire that included the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) scale, and Exercise Stages of Change Questionnaire (ESOCQ). Welch’s ANOVA test was utilized to examine if there were significant differences between the average levels of behavioral regulations in exercise and SPA within exercise stages of change, respectively. Based on Welch’s ANOVA results, it has been found that there are significant differences in the total score of SPAS according to exercise stages of change (F = 15.801, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the sub-factors intrinsic regulation, introjected regulation, and external motivation statistically significantly differ according to exercise stages of change ($\mathrm{F}=6.681$, p < 0.001 for IR; $\mathrm{F}=30.186,$p < 0.001 for introjected regulation; $\mathrm{F}=10.104$, p < 0.001 for external motivation, $\mathrm{F}=0.481,$p = 0.750 for AM). Pearson’s r correlation coefficients were also computed to determine the relationship between behavioral regulations in exercise and SPA. A significant negative moderate correlation was found between intrinsic regulation and SPA (r = −0.645, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant medium positive correlation was found between introjected regulation and SPA (r = 0.534, p < 0.001), external motivation and SPA (r = 0.588, p < 0.001), and amotivation and SPA (r = 0.564, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that being self-motivated for exercise might decrease SPA. On the other hand, exercise motivated by external pressures could lead to increased SPA. The findings also suggest that those who started exercising with intrinsic motivation reached more advanced stages of exercise than those who started exercising with extrinsic factors. Finally, extrinsic motives may help in the first stages of the exercise, but intrinsic motives are required to continue the exercise. Consequently, these findings may guide physical activity specialists, trainers, etc., to develop more effective strategies to motivate exercise participation by considering social physique anxiety among individuals. Full article

Background: Despite the widely recognized benefits of physical activity for preventing physical and cognitive decline during aging, global estimates indicate that most older adults do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity due to a lack of motivation. The current research examined the validity and psychometric properties of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) among older adults. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the BREQ-3 stands out as one of the most extensively utilized tools among exercise motivation studies. Methods: A sample of older adults (N = 383; M age = 73.2 years, SD age = 7.2) completed the BREQ-3 and the Godin–Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ). Results: Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the six-factor structure postulated by SDT, showing good fit indices (CFI= 0.95; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.04) and supporting the full measurement invariance of the scale across sex and age groups (65 to 74 years; over 75 years). The construct and criterion validity of the BREQ-3 was upheld through the latent correlations between its subscales and their correlations with the GSLTPAQ. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time the effectiveness of the BREQ-3 in assessing all forms of behavioral regulation proposed by SDT in older adults, suggesting that older adults similarly interpreted the items across sex and age groups. Full article

In this study, we aimed to conduct a descriptive analysis of the primary physiological and psychological factors influencing the quality of life in women with breast cancer who engage in physical exercise. The study examined the key psychological variables predicting patients’ quality of life, perceived support from family and friends, and the perception of physical condition. The sample consisted of 46 women from Cáceres (Spain) aged between 30 and 75 years undergoing breast cancer treatment. The Functional Evaluation Scale in Cancer Therapy (FACT-B+4) was used to measure quality of life; the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale was used to measure autonomy, competence, and social relationships; the Behavior Regulation Questionnaire in Exercise (BREQ-3) was used to measure the types of self-determined motivation for sports participation; the General Evaluation of Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem; the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) was used to measure perceived physical condition; and the Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Exercise Settings (PASSES) was used to measure the perceived autonomy support from family and friends. A multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived physical condition and self-esteem were significant positive predictors of a variance in quality of life, while intrinsic motivation did not significantly predict it. The findings underscore the importance of promoting autonomous motivation in patients to enhance their physical and psychological well-being through physical activity. Full article

We aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and motivation in adolescents and analyze if the associations of physical fitness with volitional exercise intensity in adolescents are mediated by motivation. The participants were 108 adolescents (58 girls 16.0 ± 0.92 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed using the Yo-YoITL1, and the push-up test was used to evaluate strength. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The intervention was applied in the first 10–15 min of each Physical Education class (PEC), twice a week, for 16 weeks and ranged from 14 to 20 all-out bouts intervals, adopting a 2:1 work to rest ratio. A cut-point of ≥90% of the maximal heart rate (HR) was used as a criterion for satisfactory compliance with high-intensity exercise. Volition intensity was assessed through a forearm wearable plethysmography heart rate sensor to ensure compliance with the exercise stimulus at the predetermined target HR zone. Motivation was estimated with a validated questionnaire (BREQ-3). Mediation effects were estimated using bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals and were deemed significant if zero was not included in the intervals, and values below 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. The mediation analysis revealed a non-significant indirect effect of physical fitness through motivation on exercise intensity, specifically on CRF (B = −0.0355, 95% BootCI [−0.5838; 0.4559]), muscular fitness (B = −0.7284, 95% BootCI [−2.0272; 0.2219]) and body fat (B = 0.5092, 95% BootCI [−0.4756; 1.6934]). These results suggest that high or low values of motivation did not increase or decrease volitional high-intensity exercise, and lower levels of fitness (CRF, muscular and body fat) were associated with higher volitional exercise intensity. These findings highlight the need for regular moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise for maintaining or improving physical fitness, regardless of motivation regulations, and emphasize the importance of new strategies in PEC with acute vigorous-intensity activities that retain the health-enhancing effects. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent progressive training program (MPTP) on functionality, quality of life (QoL) and motivation to exercise (EM) in a group of older adults (OA) of a community. Methods: A total of 55 participants of 69.42 ± 6.01 years of age were randomized into two groups; experimental (EG:35) and control (CG:20), and subjected to 27 weeks of MPTP. Functionality (pre/post-intervention) was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Time Up and Go (TUG), Walking While Talking Test (WWT), Manual Dynamometry (MD), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV₁), Sit and Reach (SR), Back Scratch (BS), and walk for 2 min (2 mST). QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire and EM using the BREQ-3. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Levene tests were applied. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied. A significance level of p < 0.05 was accepted for all comparisons. Results: The EG compared to the CG improved in SPPB (ΔEG/CG: 29.67%/p < 0.001), TUG (ΔEG/CG: 35.70%/p < 0.05), WWT (ΔEG/CG: 42.93%/p < 0.001), MD (ΔEG/CG: 20.40%/p < 0.05), FEV₁ (ΔEG/CG: 21.37%/p < 0.05), BS (ΔEG/CG: 80.34%/p < 0.05), 2 mST (ΔEG/CG: 33.02%/p < 0.05), SF-36 (ΔEG/CG: 13.85%/p < 0.001), and Intrinsic Regulation (ΔEG/CG: 27.97%/p < 0.001); Identified by regulation (ΔEG/CG: 9.29%/p < 0.05). Conclusion: An MPTP improves functionality, QoL and EM, and is a safe and effective method for community OAs. Full article

Physical exercise and physical activity are inherent and essential agents in the evolution of active life and are associated with promoting health and well-being. This study aimed to examine the types of regulation of motivations and intentionality needed to be physically active in the future in university students from the Health Sciences branch of knowledge. Method: 351 university students with six university degrees in Health Sciences participated, 21.4% of whom were male and 78.6% women (M = 19.32; SD = 4.01). They answered the following questionnaires: “International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)”, “Behavioural Regulation of Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3)”, and “Intention to be physically active (MIFAU)”. Results: intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation were positively associated (rho = 0.759; p < 0.01), as were integrated and identified codes (rho = 0.645; p < 0.01). When relating the types of motivation regulation and the intention to be physically active, men show a significant difference compared to women. It stands out that physically active people who walk are the most unmotivated (p < 0.01). Conclusions: more self-determined regulations and intentionality to be physically active are related to different physical activity levels and the number of METs. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the mood, physical activity, coping, and mental health of Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey, with self-administered questionnaires. The respondents were recruited using snowball sampling techniques. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), the Exercise Regulations in Exercise-3 (BREQ-3), the Brief Coping Orientation of Problem Experienced (Brief COPE), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. A path analysis was conducted on the data. A total of 842 people participated in the survey. The mean age of participants was 22 years (interquartile range = 6) and 24.0% were male. The final path model fitted the data well, with a comparative fit index of 0.998, a Tucker–Lewis index of 0.988, a standardized root mean square residual of 0.001, and a root mean square error of approximation of 0.072. In this study, there were significant path relationships between mood, exercise behavior, coping, and mental health. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the variables of mood, exercise behavior, and coping have both direct and indirect effects on mental health. The results also suggested that utilizing appropriate coping skills, exercise behavior, and positive mood can directly lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress, and that appropriate coping skills and positive mood can directly affect exercise behavior. Full article

Background: Motivation to engage in physical activity plays a central role in ensuring the health of the population. The present study investigated the psychometric properties and validity in Italy of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), a widely used instrument for assessing individuals’ motivation to exercise based on self-determination theory (SDT). Methods: A large sample (N = 2222; females = 55.4%; M_age = 36.4 years, SD_age = 13.9, min = 20, max = 69) of young people, and middle aged and older adults completed the Italian translation of the BREQ-3, also indicating their intentions to exercise in the following weeks. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the posited six-factor structure of the BREQ-3 fitted the data well (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.04) and provided evidence for full measurement invariance across gender and different age groups. The construct validity of the BREQ-3 was supported by the latent correlations among the subscales, which were consistent with the quasi-simplex pattern theorized by SDT. The overall level of self-determination and the intention to exercise were positively correlated, providing evidence for the criterion validity of the scale. Conclusions: The Italian version of the BREQ-3 has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the behavioral regulation of exercise in individuals with different demographic characteristics. Full article

The factors influencing sports motivation create a complex system, integrating internal drivers, such as the love of sport and the need for competence, and external segments, such as the environment, institutions, or the media. In our research, we examined the sports motivation of students studying in higher educational institutions in five countries (Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine) using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ–2). This research aims to explore the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing students’ sports motivation and the effect of sociocultural, demographical, motivational, and societal factors on the frequency of participating in sports. Based on factor analysis, instead of the original five factors, three factors could be detected in the sample: intrinsic and identified motivation, introjected motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation. Based on the results, higher social status facilitates intrinsic motivation, while lower socioeconomic status facilitates extrinsic motivation and amotivation. The strongest effect is exerted by individual variables, of which intrinsic and identified motivation support regular physical activity as a significant factor among students in all countries. This can also be seen in the frequency of sporting activities, as the highest frequency of sports activity was detected among people with high intrinsic motivation. Full article