Open Access

Music-supported aerobic exercise and sports participation motivation: An application based on self-determination theory in primary school children

1 Department of Recreation Management, Selcuk University, Konya, 42130, Türkiye ROR
2 Department of Sport Management, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Osmaniye, 80000, Türkiye ROR
3 Adil Karaagac Vocational and Technical High School, Konya, 42130, Türkiye
4 Teacher Mahmut Ozgobek Primary School, Usak, 64100, Türkiye

Abstract

The role of physical activity in shaping children’s motivation to participate in sport has become a prominent area of inquiry in developmental psychology and sport sciences. Theoretical frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory and the motivational climate approach provide a robust basis for understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic processes underlying children’s engagement in sport. Empirical research with primary school students is particularly valuable, as it offers key insights into how physical activity promotes sustained participation. This study aimed to examine the effect of physical activity on sport participation motivation among primary school students. The sample consisted of 146 students enrolled in a public primary school in Konya, with 73 assigned to the experimental group and 73 to the control group, based on a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. A quantitative pretest–posttest control group design was employed. Students’ motivation was assessed using the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ). As the data met normality assumptions, Paired Samples and Independent Samples t-tests were conducted. The findings indicate that physical activity positively influences sport participation motivation, with particularly notable effects on achievement-oriented motivation.

Keywords

How to Cite

Kargi, G., Gunel, I., Celik, A., & Kazakkaya, A. (2026). Music-supported aerobic exercise and sports participation motivation: An application based on self-determination theory in primary school children. Journal of ROL Sport Sciences, 8, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.70736/jrolss.2207

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