The impact of sports participation, spontaneous sports, and motivational factors on the physical fitness of university students in Fuzhou
Abstract Background This study seeks to propose and empirically test a conceptual model that elucidates the complex interrelationships among sports participation, spontaneous sports, sports motivation, lifelong sports, and physical fitness among university students in Fuzhou. While the existing lite...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22859-1 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background This study seeks to propose and empirically test a conceptual model that elucidates the complex interrelationships among sports participation, spontaneous sports, sports motivation, lifelong sports, and physical fitness among university students in Fuzhou. While the existing literature has examined various facets of physical activity and fitness, there is a notable paucity of research that simultaneously explores the influence of both spontaneous sports engagement and sports motivation on physical fitness, particularly within the context of university students in China. This gap in the literature highlights the pressing need for a nuanced empirical investigation to better understand how these factors interact and contribute to the promotion of lifelong sports and enhanced fitness outcomes. Methods A systematic stratified sampling method was used to collect data from 400 university students across 18 undergraduate institutions in Fuzhou. The collected survey data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results Sports participation (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) and spontaneous sports engagement (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the physical fitness of university students. Moreover, sports participation (β = 0.43, p < 0.001) was a strong predictor of sustained physical activity levels among this group. In addition, sports participation (β = 0.47, p < 0.001) fostered spontaneous sports behaviors in university students, with spontaneous sports acting as a mediating variable in the relationship between sports participation and physical fitness. Furthermore, sports motivation played a crucial moderating role in the relationship between sports participation and spontaneous sports behaviors among university students. Conclusion The SEM results of this study support the proposed model, which explains the interrelationships among sports participation, spontaneous sports, Sports Motivation, and physical fitness. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating spontaneous sports and verbal motivation mechanisms into sports participation interventions to enhance physical fitness. The results of this study contribute to the development of more effective health and exercise programs for university students in Fuzhou to improve their physical fitness. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2458 |