Physical fitness and enjoyment of physical activity among university students: implications for sustainable physical activity participation

Abstract

Background – Promoting sustainable physical activity participation among university students is a key challenge for higher education and public health systems. Enjoyment has been widely recognized as a critical psychological determinant of sustained engagement in physical activity; however, the role of physical fitness as an individual factor shaping exercise enjoyment remains insufficiently explored. Methods – This study examined differences in physical activity enjoyment between university students with high and low physical fitness levels. Undergraduate students (N = 80) were selected using an extreme-group design based on the National Student Physical Fitness Standards assessment. The top 15% (high-fitness group, n = 40) and bottom 15% (low-fitness group, n = 40) were matched for age and gender. Physical activity enjoyment was measured using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Independent-samples t-tests and effect size analyses were conducted. Results – The high-fitness group reported significantly higher enjoyment of physical activity (M = 103.45, SD = 17.80) than the low-fitness group (M = 77.68, SD = 19.31; p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.39). These findings indicate substantial differences in affective exercise experiences across fitness levels. Conclusion – Physical fitness is closely associated with enjoyment of physical activity among university students. Enhancing physical fitness and designing fitness-adaptive physical education programs may play a crucial role in fostering enjoyment and supporting sustainable physical activity participation in higher education.