Differences in motives toward physical activity regarding physical activity level and its relationship with satisfaction about the university sport service

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the motivations toward physical activity of a representative sample of students from Universidad de Burgos, and their relationship with university sports services. 366 students (127 men and 239 women), whose average age was 21.29 years old, answered the validated scale on motives towards physical activity «Goal Content Exercise Questionnaire» (GCEQ), and another questionnaire about physical activity levels and participation in university sports service activities. Our empirical analysis determined that 48.6% of the students perform at least one physical activity weekly, the main motives being health care followed by skill development. Social aspects were not found to be significant. Less than a quarter of the students have used the university sports services. The lowest ranked aspect was compatibility of schedules. In conclusion, university students show low levels of physical activity, both within the college and outside of it. The motives towards the physical exercise do not show differences with other populations or age ranges.