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Physical Activity and Physical Self-Concept in Youth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sports Medicine volume 44, pages 1589–1601 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Evidence suggests that physical self-concept is associated with physical activity in children and adolescents, but no systematic review of this literature has been conducted.

Objective

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the strength of associations between physical activity and physical self-concept (general and sub-domains) in children and adolescents. The secondary aim was to examine potential moderators of the association between physical activity and physical self-concept.

Methods

A systematic search of six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus) with no date restrictions was conducted. Random effects meta-analyses with correction for measurement were employed. The associations between physical activity and general physical self-concept and sub-domains were explored. A risk of bias assessment was conducted by two reviewers.

Results

The search identified 64 studies to be included in the meta-analysis. Thirty-three studies addressed multiple outcomes of general physical self-concept: 28 studies examined general physical self-concept, 59 examined perceived competence, 25 examined perceived fitness, and 55 examined perceived appearance. Perceived competence was most strongly associated with physical activity (r = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.24–0.35, p < 0.001), followed by perceived fitness (r = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.20–0.32, p < 0.001), general physical self-concept (r = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.16–0.34, p < 0.001) and perceived physical appearance (r = 0.12, 95 % CI 0.08–0.16, p < 0.001). Sex was a significant moderator for general physical self-concept (p < 0.05), and age was a significant moderator for perceived appearance (p ≤ 0.01) and perceived competence (p < 0.05). No significant moderators were found for perceived fitness.

Conclusion

Overall, a significant association has been consistently demonstrated between physical activity and physical self-concept and its various sub-domains in children and adolescents. Age and sex are key moderators of the association between physical activity and physical self-concept.

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Acknowledgments

Ronald C. Plotnikoff is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Senior Research Fellowship. Mark J. Babic, Philip J. Morgan, Ronald C. Plotnikoff, Chris Lonsdale, Rhiannon L. White and David R. Lubans have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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  1. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia

    Mark J. Babic, Philip J. Morgan, Ronald C. Plotnikoff & David R. Lubans

  2. Institute for Positive Psychology and Education Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, NSW, Australia

    Chris Lonsdale & Rhiannon L. White

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Babic, M.J., Morgan, P.J., Plotnikoff, R.C. et al. Physical Activity and Physical Self-Concept in Youth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 44, 1589–1601 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0229-z

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Keywords

  • Physical Activity
  • Significant Moderator
  • Early Adolescent
  • High Physical Activity Level
  • Body Attractiveness