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Determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports: Toward a sports development framework
Teejay D. Panganiban1, Samboy Nabor21. Batangas State University TNEU JPLPC-Malvar , PH2. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Piñas , PH2026-04-14|page 147-159AbstractBackground: Athlete motivation and sustained engagement are essential for retention in collegiate sports programs; however, the institutional and environmental factors that influence these outcomes remain underexplored.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports using a Self-Determination Theory perspective, with engagement serving as a proxy for retention behavior.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed involving 75 collegiate student-athletes representing basketball, volleyball (men and women), baseball, and softball teams. Quantitative data were collected using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire based on Self-Determination Theory and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In contrast, qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Findings revealed that organizational commitment (M = 3.42) and environmental support (M = 3.47) were rated very high, while incentives and facilities were rated high. All program components were significantly associated with athlete engagement (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that environmental support (β = .36) and perceived support (β = .31) were the strongest predictors, explaining 68% of the variance (R² = 0.68). SEM results indicated a good model fit (CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.061).
Conclusions: Qualitative findings highlighted intrinsic motivations, such as passion and belonging, as well as extrinsic motivators, including scholarships and rewards, alongside barriers, including financial delays, academic conflicts, and burnout. The study concludes that environmental and perceived support are the primary determinants of athlete engagement, emphasizing the critical role of competence-supportive environments in sustaining motivation and improving athlete retention.
APA Citation StylePanganiban, T. D. , & Nabor, S. (2026). Determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports: Toward a sports development framework. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 147-159. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.718 -
Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness
Muhad Fatoni1, Agam Akhmad Syaukani2, Pungki Indarto3, Imron Nugroho Saputro4, Ismi Husniyah Musyfiroh51. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2. University of Technology Malaysia , MY3. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID4. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID5. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2025-12-12|page 291-301AbstractBackground: Academic performance in this context is conceptualized holistically, encompassing the integration of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and physical achievements. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the study posits that physical activity interest and social skills serve as predictors of both mental toughness and academic outcomes.
Objectives: This study examines the mediating role of mental toughness in the relationship between physical activity interest, social skills, and academic performance among university students enrolled in physical education programs.
Methods: A quantitative approach was employed, involving the administration of structured questionnaires to 235 active students. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with a Partial Least Squares approach to assess construct validity and the relationships among variables.
Results: The results reveal that interest in physical activity and social skills has a significant influence on both mental toughness and academic performance. However, mental toughness did not serve as a substantial mediator within the proposed model.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical direct roles of affective and social factors in predicting academic success in physical education contexts. Theoretically, this study clarifies the functional position of mental toughness, while practically, it promotes the development of instructional strategies that enhance intrinsic motivation and collaborative skills within physical education curricula.APA Citation StyleFatoni, M. , Syaukani, A. A. , Indarto, P. , Saputro, I. N. , & Musyfiroh, I. H. (2025). Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 291-301. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.624 -
Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Ferdinando Cereda11. The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan , IT2026-03-08|page 7-27AbstractBackground: The global decline in adolescent physical activity necessitates pedagogical innovation to counter disengagement. Traditional norm-referenced physical education (PE) often alienates less skilled students, whereas gamification offers a promising criterion-referenced strategy to enhance motivation and learning.
Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of a 12-week gamified didactic intervention on perceived physical self-concept, health-related fitness, and physical activity enjoyment among high school students.
Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial (Cluster-RCT) was conducted with 210 Italian adolescents (mean age 15.4 ± 0.9 years) nested within 10 intact classes (average cluster size = 21). Intact classes were randomised to an experimental group (gamified ‘MoveQuest’ module, k = 5) or a control group (traditional direct instruction, k = 5). Data were collected using the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP-R-IT), the ALPHA-FIT test battery, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Following a per-protocol analytical approach, Linear mixed models (LMMs) were employed to analyse the data, accounting for the nested structure of the educational setting and handling cluster-level variance intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Significance levels were interpreted considering the multiplicity of outcomes.
Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed, with the gamified group demonstrating superior improvements in sports competence (d = 0.65), physical self-worth (d = 0.58), and enjoyment (d = 0.82) compared to the control group. Physiologically, the experimental group showed significantly greater gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O₂ max) and agility, while body attractiveness remained stable in both groups.
Conclusions: Gamified didactics significantly enhance psychological engagement and specific motor performance parameters by prioritising individual progress over social comparison. This approach represents a valuable pedagogical tool for fostering physical literacy in secondary PE.APA Citation StyleCereda, F. (2026). Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 7-27. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.677 -
Unveiling the digital gym: A phenomenological dive into online physical education pedagogy
Princes Lloyda Peralta11. Saint Louis College , PH2025-04-04|page 15-31AbstractBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to online learning, posing significant challenges for traditionally hands-on subjects like Physical Education (PE). Limited student engagement, digital accessibility issues, and the need for pedagogical adaptation became major concerns for PE instructors.
Objectives: This study aims to explore the lived experiences of PE instructors in adapting to online instruction, identifying the strategies, challenges, and innovations they employed to maintain instructional effectiveness.
Methods: A qualitative research design utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted to gain deep insights into instructors’ experiences. Purposive sampling was used to select seven PE instructors from urban and rural institutions, ensuring diverse teaching contexts. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify key adaptation strategies.
Results: Five major themes emerged from the findings: (1) Adaptation to Online Instruction, where instructors restructured their teaching approaches to accommodate digital platforms; (2) Effective Use of Digital Tools, emphasizing the role of online resources in enhancing instructional delivery; (3) Innovative Approaches to Engagement, detailing gamification techniques and interactive pedagogies; (4) Equitable Access Strategies, addressing disparities in internet connectivity and learning resources; and (5) Assessment of Success and Progress, highlighting novel evaluation methods tailored for online PE instruction. These themes collectively form the "Navigating Instructional Delivery Through Innovation, Technology, Engagement, and Equity" framework.
Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into how PE instructors have innovatively adapted to online learning, ensuring student engagement and equitable access to education. The findings offer implications for policy-making, teacher training programs, and the future integration of technology in PE instruction. Future research should explore student perspectives and the long-term impact of digital PE on learning outcomes.
APA Citation StylePeralta, P. L. (2025). Unveiling the digital gym: A phenomenological dive into online physical education pedagogy. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 15-31. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i1.474 -
Analyzing the promotion of social skills and values in physical education texts and programmes
Loubna Belabbes1, Omar Ben Rakaa2, Moulay Smail Hafidi Alaoui31. Mohammed-V University , MA2. Hassan II University of Casablanca , MA3. Mohammed-V University , MA2025-12-12|page 275-290AbstractBackground: Global education systems increasingly emphasize holistic development by integrating social skills and ethical values into curricula, with physical education playing a central role in shaping students' cognitive, emotional, and civic competencies.
Objectives: This study examines how educational programs and policy documents promote social skills (e.g., empathy, communication, collaboration, autonomy) and ethical principles, with particular attention to the contribution of physical education in fostering academic achievement and responsible citizenship.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, applying predefined eligibility criteria and guided by socio-emotional learning and self-determination theory. Forty-five academic and institutional texts (published between 2013 and 2023), including frameworks from UNESCO and the Moroccan Ministry of Education, as well as programs such as PATHS and Second Step, were analyzed across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, with a primary focus on Morocco.
Results: Communication (11.11%; 5/45), autonomy (8.89%; 4/45), and cooperation (8.89%; 4/45) emerged as the most frequently emphasized competencies in both Moroccan and international curricula. Physical education was found to reinforce resilience, leadership, and collaborative skills, whereas empathy (4.44%; 2/45) remained underrepresented—reflecting the prevailing prioritization of technical rather than socio-emotional competencies. Implementation remains constrained by structural barriers, including limited resources and cultural misalignment, despite the legislative support of Morocco's framework law 51-17.
Conclusions: Embedding social skills within physical education supports students' holistic development. Achieving meaningful implementation requires: (1) short-term alignment of system-level policies and teacher training, and (2) long-term cultural adaptation of programs supported by measurable monitoring indicators.APA Citation StyleBelabbes, L. , Ben Rakaa, O. , & Alaoui, M. S. H. (2025). Analyzing the promotion of social skills and values in physical education texts and programmes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 275-290. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.493 -
Structural relationships between service quality, communication, motivation, and athlete satisfaction in basketball Indonesia
Fajar Gumilang H.M1, Agung Nugroho2, Rumpis Agus Sudarko3, Fauzi Fauzi4, Fajar Sriwahyuniati51. Yogyakarta State University , ID2. Yogyakarta State University , ID3. Yogyakarta State University , ID4. Yogyakarta State University , ID5. Yogyakarta State University , ID2026-04-09|page 113-124AbstractBackground: Many basketball clubs aim to enhance athlete satisfaction through service quality, communication, and motivation; however, empirical evidence validating these factors as measurable constructs remains limited.
Objectives: This study examines whether these variables function as latent constructs influencing athlete satisfaction and validates their measurement structure using confirmatory factor analysis.
Methods: This study used a quantitative survey and included 263 basketball athletes from various clubs in Sidoarjo, comprising 110 males and 153 females. The participant characteristics focused on players still in the developmental stage who had been actively participating in club training programs for 3 to 6 months, with educational levels ranging from junior high school to college. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a valid and reliable Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS 22.
Results: The results demonstrate that service quality (β=0.337, ????=0.000) and communication (β=0.439, ????=0.000) significantly enhance motivation. Furthermore, motivation significantly affects athlete satisfaction (β = 0.582, ???? = 0.000). Crucially, the analysis confirms that motivation mediates the relationship between service quality (indirect effect=0.139) and communication (indirect effect=0.240) on satisfaction.
Conclusions: Theoretically, this study confirms motivation as a vital psychological mediator linking managerial inputs to athlete satisfaction. In practice, the findings demonstrate that while high-quality physical facilities provide a necessary structural foundation, they must be integrated with effective, supportive coaching communication to optimally ignite athletes' intrinsic drive and maximize their overall club experience.APA Citation StyleH.M, F. G. , Nugroho, A. , Sudarko, R. A. , Fauzi, F. , & Sriwahyuniati, F. (2026). Structural relationships between service quality, communication, motivation, and athlete satisfaction in basketball: Indonesia. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 113-124. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.691 -
The effect of championship participation on training intensity and motivation of Pencak Silat student athletes at Semarang State University, Indonesia
Achmad Alif Firmansyah1, Nanang Indardi21. State University of Semarang , ID2. State University of Semarang , ID2025-08-15|page 204-211AbstractBackground: Consistent training and high enthusiasm are the keys to an athlete's success in achieving optimal performance. However, among Pencak Silat athletes at Semarang State University (UNNES), there is a decrease in training intensity and enthusiasm when there is no championship agenda.
Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of participation in a championship on the training intensity and motivation of Semarang State University Pencak Silat athletes.
Methods: This study used a pre-post design with the same subjects (n = 30) and an explanatory quantitative approach to determine the effect of championship participation on training intensity and motivation. Data were collected using a Likert scale questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability (α = 0.872). Data analysis was performed using a paired t-test using SPSS.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in training intensity from a mean ± SD of 3.12 ± 0.54 (pre) to 3.78 ± 0.49 (post), and training motivation from 3.05 ± 0.61 (pre) to 3.85 ± 0.55 (post), with t(29) = 5.62 and 6.03, respectively, p = 0.004. Cohen's d effect sizes of 1.03 (intensity) and 1.10 (motivation) indicate significant effects.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that participation in championships is a significant external motivator in improving the quality of athletes' training. Therefore, championships can be a coaching strategy to maintain sustainable training motivation, a practical implication that this study has clearly demonstrated.
APA Citation StyleFirmansyah, A. A. , & Indardi, N. (2025). The effect of championship participation on training intensity and motivation of Pencak Silat student athletes at Semarang State University, Indonesia. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 204-211. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.620 -
The relationship between arm length and body mass index (BMI) with turbo-throwing performance in elementary school students
Awaliyah Riskyta Putri1, Siti Nurrochmah21. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID2025-07-01|page 115-124AbstractBackground: This research is motivated by insufficient scientific research that specifically examines the relationship between arm length and Body Mass Index (BMI) on turbo throwing performance in elementary school students, especially in preparation for the National Student Sports Olympics (O2SN).
Objectives: This study examines the relationship between arm length and BMI and the turbo-throwing performance of sixth-grade students of State Elementary School Bunulrejo 1 Malang in preparation for the National Student Sports Olympics (O2SN) in 2025.
Methods: The method used is a quantitative descriptive design with a correlational study. The study population comprised 71 male students, with a sample of 45 male students. The research instrument was a turbo-throwing basic motion performance test, arm length measurement, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. The analysis technique uses inferential statistics in the form of multiple correlation analysis, which is complemented by multiple regression analysis.
Results: The results were obtained using inferential statistics through multiple correlation analysis. The results of the multiple correlation test obtained a coefficient value = 0.723 and Sig. P = 0.001 < a = 0.05, and the contribution of the variable effectiveness of arm's length to turbo-throwing performance is 46.3%, while BMI is 5.9%, so the variables arm length and BMI provide an effective contribution of 52.2%.
Conclusions: Arm length and BMI significantly influence turbo-throwing performance. Arm length is the most dominant factor. These results can be a reference for teachers and coaches when selecting O2SNs and coaching athletes at the basic education level. Future researchers are expected to examine other variables that have not been studied to provide a more comprehensive picture of turbo-throwing performance.
APA Citation StylePutri, A. R. , & Nurrochmah, S. (2025). The relationship between arm length and body mass index (BMI) with turbo-throwing performance in elementary school students. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 115-124. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.563 -
The relationship between limb length and lower-limb explosive power on squat-style long jump performance in junior secondary students
Karina Octaviani1, Siti Nurrochmah21. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID2025-07-01|page 103-114AbstractBackground: To determine the relationship between leg length and leg muscle explosive power with squat style long jump performance applied to junior high school students.
Objectives: This study examines the relationship between leg length, leg muscle explosive power, and the ability to jump squatting style long.
Methods: The method used is a quantitative descriptive design with a correlational study. The study population amounted to 60 male students in class VIII. Sampling using the Purposive Proportional Systematic Random Sampling technique amounted to 45 students. The collected data were analyzed using three prerequisite tests: data normality test, homogeneity test, and linearity test. After fulfilling the prerequisite test requirements, it can be continued with 4 hypothesis tests, product moment test, multiple correlation test, regression equation line, and practical contribution and relative contribution.
Results: The data obtained using inferential statistics in multiple correlation analysis is complemented by multiple regression analysis. The results of the multiple correlation test obtained a coefficient = 0.687 and Sig. P = 0.001 < a = 0.05.
Conclusions: The study concludes a positive and linear relationship between leg length and leg muscle explosive power with squat-style long jump performance. Based on these findings, further research is recommended to explore additional variables such as speed, flexibility, and confidence, which may influence squat-style long jump performance.
APA Citation StyleOctaviani, K. , & Nurrochmah, S. (2025). The relationship between limb length and lower-limb explosive power on squat-style long jump performance in junior secondary students. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 103-114. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.561 -
Associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance in competitive pencak silat athletes
Jery Setiawan1, Siti Baitul Mukarromah21. State University of Semarang , ID2. State University of Semarang , ID2026-08-17|page 208-219AbstractBackground: Crescent kick performance is an important technical component of competitive pencak silat and may be associated with physical capacities such as lower limb muscle strength and reaction time. However, evidence regarding the relationships of these physical characteristics with crescent kick performance remains limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance among competitive pencak silat athletes.
Methods: This quantitative correlational study involved 30 competitive pencak silat athletes (age: 19.8 ± 2.1 years; height: 168.4 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 61.7 ± 8.2 kg; body mass index: 21.7 ± 2.3 kg/m²) recruited using total sampling. Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using a leg dynamometer, body reaction time using a reaction timer, and crescent kick performance using a 10-second crescent kick test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple correlation analysis, with statistical significance set at p < .05.
Results: Lower limb muscle strength was positively associated with crescent kick performance (r = 0.734, p < .001), whereas body reaction time was negatively associated with crescent kick performance (r = -0.739, p < .001), indicating that shorter reaction times were associated with better kick performance. Multiple correlation analysis showed a strong combined association of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance (R = 0.754, R² = 0.568, p < .001). Together, these variables accounted for 56.8% of the variance in crescent kick performance.
Conclusions: Greater lower limb muscle strength and shorter body reaction time were associated with better crescent kick performance among competitive pencak silat athletes. These findings highlight the relevance of muscular strength and neuromuscular responsiveness to crescent kick performance and may inform physical conditioning programs for pencak silat athletes. Further studies with larger samples and additional biomechanical, physiological, and technical measures are needed to better understand the factors associated with crescent kick performance.
APA Citation StyleSetiawan, J. , & Mukarromah, S. B. (2026). Associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance in competitive pencak silat athletes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 208-219. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.762 -
Examining the mediating role of perceived psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes
Daphne Scott Fernandez1, Kahreen Lou Mondina21. Saint Louis College La Union,Saint Louis College La Union , PH2. Saint Louis College La Union,Saint Louis College La Union , PH2026-08-01|page 182-195AbstractBackground: Psychological well-being is essential for student-athletes because they must simultaneously cope with competitive sport demands and academic responsibilities. Although both sport grit and perceived psychosocial support have been associated with positive psychological outcomes, the mediating role of psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being remains insufficiently understood.
Objectives: This study examined whether perceived psychosocial support mediates the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design with a mediation analysis framework was employed. A total of 362 high school student-athletes from the first district of La Union, Philippines, participated using total enumeration sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing sport grit, psychological well-being, and perceived psychosocial support. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and bias-corrected bootstrap mediation analysis (5,000 resamples) were performed using JASP.
Results: Student-athletes reported high levels of sport grit, psychological well-being, and perceived psychosocial support. Sport grit significantly and positively predicted psychological well-being, whereas it did not significantly predict perceived psychosocial support. Perceived psychosocial support demonstrated a significant but negative association with psychological well-being. Furthermore, the indirect effect of sport grit on psychological well-being through perceived psychosocial support was not statistically significant, indicating the absence of a mediating effect.
Conclusions: Sport grit is an important direct psychological resource associated with psychological well-being among high school student-athletes. Although perceived psychosocial support contributes to athletes' psychological functioning, it does not explain the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening athletes' internal psychological resources while maintaining supportive sport environments.
APA Citation StyleFernandez, D. S. , & Mondina, K. L. (2026). Examining the mediating role of perceived psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 182-195. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.725 -
The effect of peer teaching and think pair share on rhythmic gymnastics learning outcomes
Muhammad Lutfi Hasan1, Ibnu Fatkhu Royana2, Utvi Hinda Zhannisa31. Universitas PGRI Semarang , ID2. Universitas PGRI Semarang , ID3. Universitas PGRI Semarang , ID2025-08-14|page 195-203AbstractBackground: Rhythmic gymnastics plays a vital role in developing students' motor skills, coordination, and rhythm, yet many still face challenges in mastering movement concepts.
Objectives: This study compared the effectiveness of Peer Teaching and Think Pair Share (TPS) cooperative learning models in improving rhythmic gymnastics learning outcomes.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest–posttest was conducted on 68 eighth-grade students (male and female) at State Junior High School 4 Semarang, divided into Peer Teaching (n=34) and TPS (n=34) groups. Learning outcomes were assessed using a validated rhythmic gymnastics performance test, and data were analyzed descriptively with gain score calculation.
Results: The TPS group achieved a greater improvement in posttest scores (from 67.21 to 79.59; +18.41%) compared to the Peer Teaching group (from 79.18 to 79.85; +0.85%). These results indicate that TPS enhances students' understanding, coordination, and engagement in rhythmic gymnastics learning.
Conclusions: TPS is recommended for physical education teachers to improve performance, particularly for students with lower initial skills. Further studies should explore its long-term effects and retention.
APA Citation StyleHasan, M. L. , Royana, I. F. , & Zhannisa, U. H. (2025). The effect of peer teaching and think pair share on rhythmic gymnastics learning outcomes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 195-203. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.619












