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Sports Game Play: A Comparison of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities in Adolescents
Author(s) -
Patience Marcia A.,
Kilpatrick Marcus W.,
Sun Haichun,
Flory Sara B.,
Watterson Thomas A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12099
Subject(s) - perception , basketball , psychology , competence (human resources) , physical activity , football , physical education , energy expenditure , developmental psychology , social psychology , physical therapy , medicine , pedagogy , archaeology , neuroscience , endocrinology , political science , law , history
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Research suggests participation in sports is an important contributor to overall adolescent physical activity ( PA ). Sports play has become increasingly important in physical education ( PE ) classes as a means for promoting healthful and enjoyable PA . Research is needed that investigates physiological and perceptual responses to sport play. METHODS We studied 101 (55 males; 46 females, age 11‐14) students who participated in flag football ( FF ), basketball ( BB ), and flag rugby ( FR ). Activity counts were collected using accelerometers. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured using the intrinsic motivation inventory. RESULTS Each sport activity produced acceptable levels of activity and positive perceptual responses, but differences among sports were noted. Accelerometry data indicated that FR and BB were more intense than FF (p < .001). Perceptual data indicated participation in FR elicited higher perceptions of competence and greater enjoyment when compared to FF and BB (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Participation in sport activity within middle school PE classes provides excellent opportunities for energy expenditure and positive perceptual responses. Most importantly, FR provides an activity stimulus that has potential benefits both physiologically and psychologically.