A1 Journal article (refereed)
Longitudinal Associations Between Enjoyment of Physical Education, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscular Fitness Among Finnish Adolescents (2024)
Costigan, S., Gråstén, A., Huhtiniemi, M., Kolunsarka, I., Lubans, David R., & Jaakkola, T. (2024). Longitudinal Associations Between Enjoyment of Physical Education, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscular Fitness Among Finnish Adolescents. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 34(6), Article e14678. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14678
The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Costigan, Sarah; Gråstén, Arto; Huhtiniemi, Mikko; Kolunsarka, Iiris; Lubans, David R.; Jaakkola, Timo
Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
ISSN: 0905-7188
eISSN: 1600-0838
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 14/06/2024
Volume: 34
Issue number: 6
Article number: e14678
Publisher: Wiley
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14678
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/96041
Abstract
Students' experiences in physical education (PE) can shape future physical activity (PA) behaviors. PE enjoyment is associated with PA; however, the relationship between PE enjoyment and fitness has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to examine if changes in PE enjoyment were associated with changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) among Finnish adolescents.
Methods
Study participants were students (n = 1147; 11.27 [±0.32] years at baseline) attending public schools in Finland. Data were collected yearly (2017–2021). The 20 m shuttle run assessed CRF, curl-up/push-up tests assessed MF, and the enjoyment subscale of the Sport Commitment Questionnaire-2 measured PE enjoyment. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model, including repeated measures (within-level) and latent levels (between-level) of PE enjoyment, CRF and MF, was tested. Sex, body mass index, moderate to vigorous PA, and peak height velocity were included as covariates in the analysis.
Results
Over 5 years, PE enjoyment decreased, CRF increased until Timepoint 3, and MF remained stable. Positive associations between PE enjoyment and fitness were observed, indicating the greater the PE enjoyment, the higher the fitness. For PE enjoyment, CRF and MF repeated measures were positively associated with measurement of the next year. PE enjoyment was positively related to CRF and MF the years thereafter.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of quality PE experiences for enjoyment and fitness gains during the transition from primary to secondary school. These findings are important given youth fitness levels are associated with future health status.
Keywords: young people; physical education (school subject); experiences (knowledge); physical fitness; muscle fitness; aerobic capacity; longitudinal research
Free keywords: adolescents; cardiorespiratory fitness; enjoyment; muscular fitness; physical education; random intercept cross-lagged panel model
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Future School of Comprehensive Well-Being (SCHOOLWELL)/ 2
- Jaakkola, Timo
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 2
