Open Access

Investigation of self-confidence and motoric characteristics of students who do and do not exercise in a village school

1 Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Osmaniye, Turkiye ROR
2 Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Osmaniye, Turkiye ROR
3 Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Osmaniye, Turkiye ROR

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the physical activity levels and motor skills of children living and attending school in rural areas. The lack of infrastructure such as sports facilities, playgrounds, and coaches in rural areas makes it important to investigate children’s motor skill levels and self-confidence levels. The universe of the study is the student population of village schools in the Ceyhan district of Adana province. Forty students (average age: 13.07 ± 0.73) who voluntarily participated in the study were divided into two groups: the experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent regular training for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, the students’ motor skills (agility, shuttle run, speed, flexibility), body measurements (height, weight, BMI), and self-confidence levels (using the Adolescent Self-Confidence Scale) were assessed. The research results showed that while there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in pre- and post-test agility and speed levels, there was no significant difference in self-confidence levels (p>0.05). In the experimental group, the 8-week functional training program resulted in significant differences in sit-ups, speed, flexibility, agility, and self-confidence levels in the pre-post test findings (p<0.001). In particular, socioeconomic status (family income level and mother’s education level) was found to be positively related to physical activity levels. The research results revealed that the exercise program improved children’s physical performance and self-confidence development. Socioeconomic status was determined to be an important factor contributing to this development. The training program was found to create a significant difference in participants’ self-confidence levels. The results indicate that socioeconomic differences should be taken into account when developing programs to encourage physical activity among adolescents.

Keywords

How to Cite

Ozoruc, S., Gunbaz, O., & Reyhan, S. (2025). Investigation of self-confidence and motoric characteristics of students who do and do not exercise in a village school. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 16(61), 1752–1766. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.1778

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