"Students' motor and perceived competence, health-related fitness, well-being, physical literacy, academic performance, physical activity engagement, and exercise motivation" -study is organized by the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and it is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The first phase of the study was carried out in 2017–2021, during which the participants' motor skills, and health-related fitness were measured annually, and questionnaire data on the amount of physical activity, leisure time sport activities, motivational experiences towards physical activity and physical activity at school, and academic achievement.
A follow-up phase is organized in 2023 where will be used a new questionnaire to examine participants' perceived motor competence, amount of physical activity, leisure time sport activities, motivational experiences of physical activity, overall well-being, physical literacy and academic achievement. It takes about 10-20 minutes to complete the survey.
The research participants have been involved since 2017 and they have been recruited from all over Finland. In autumn 2022, the participants have started their studies at upper secondary level (upper secondary school or vocational school).
The study produces information of general interest on upper secondary level students' motivation to move, well-being, physical activity, physical literacy and academic achievement. The results of the study will be published in international research reports and popular professional journals. In addition, the material produces theses for different levels of qualifications. Research results are also presented at international and national seminars and congresses.
Between 2017 and 2021, the study participants participated in a study in which they were followed from fifth grade to ninth grade. Approximately 1150 pupils from different schools participated in the study and they were recruited from localities of different sizes in Finland. The study examined physical activity, health-related fitness, leisure time sport activities, motivation towards physical activity and physical education, physical literacy, well-being and academic performance.
The measurements were carried out annually during school days in cooperation with schools. The measurements included measurements of motor skills and physical fitness, as well as questionnaires related to exercise motivation and sport activities. Some of the participants also performed a week-long follow-up with a accelerometer.
For more information please contact project researcher Tanja Mäntylä, tanja.a.r.mantyla@jyu.fi
