Association between Enjoyment in Physical Education Online Classes and Physical Activity Levels in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Motivation, with special emphasis on intrinsic motivation is important factor that influences physical activity levels (PAL). The COVID-19 pandemic forced Physical education (PE) teachers to switch to online classes, which increased the problem of keeping students motivated to be physically active. This study aimed to determine the associations between enjoyment in online PE classes and PAL during the COVID-19 lockdown. 198 highschool students aged 14-19 years participated in this study. Variables included interest and enjoyment in PE classes assessed by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire and PAL assessed by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the associations between variables. Independent samples T-test and X2 test were used for determining the gender differences in study variables. Significant correlation between PAL and interest/enjoyment in online PE classes was recorded (R=0.23, p<0.05). There were no significant differences between girls and boys in the total subset interest/ enjoyment of intrinsic motivation. However, the difference was observed in the subset enjoyment (X2(1, N=198)=9.53), with boys showing more enjoyment. Because of the evidenced positive association between interest/enjoyment in PE classes and PAL, it is crucial to provide students fun and interesting PE online classes to maintain PAL during the pandemic and similar situations. The special emphasis should be placed on girls.