ABSTRACT
Regular physical activity (PA) improves the psychological well-being of those who practice it. However, female university students are a risk group due to their low level of PA. Based on the transtheoretical model of behavioural change, the main aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between PA and subjective vitality was mediated by cognitive-emotional variables such as decisional balance (perceived benefits and barriers) and enjoyment associated with PA in a group of female university students. Participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, which were available for one month via a Google Form. The results showed the existence of a statistically significant, relative, and indirect effect between the stage of change and subjective vitality via both mediating variables. Compared to females in the pre-contemplation stage, those in the action and maintenance stages achieved higher subjective vitality scores as a result of the effect of being in a more advanced stage on decisional balance and enjoyment of PA. It is concluded that female university students who reported regular PA found the activity to be more revitalising, stimulating, and exciting; all positive feelings and cognitions that translated into a more energetic and vital perception of themselves.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Motor development during childhood is fundamental for acquiring advanced perceptual and cognitive skills, playing a pivotal role in personal development and skill acquisition later in life. This study aims to investigate differences in the motor skills of children between the ages of 3 to 5, based on their geographic location (urban or rural) and gender. A cohort of 94 Portuguese children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old (comprising 48 boys and 46 girls) were selected for a study. Data collection was conducted within 8 different schools, and motor skills were assessed utilizing the MOBAK-KG test. It was observed that children from urban areas outperformed those from rural areas in motor skills related to body and object control. On the contrary, girls' motor skills did not show significant differences according to their geographical location. Although the geographical environment influences children's motor development, other factors, such as socio-economic and cultural factors, may have a greater impact on girls. These findings emphasise the significance of focusing on the motor development of girls and examining how cultural and gender expectations can impact their motor skills.
RESUMO O desenvolvimento motor durante a infância é fundamental para a aquisição de competências perceptivas e cognitivas avançadas, desempenhando um papel fulcral no desenvolvimento pessoal e na aquisição de competências mais tarde na vida. Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar as diferenças nas capacidades motoras de crianças entre os 3 e os 5 anos de idade, com base na sua localização geográfica (urbana ou rural) e género. Foi selecionada para o estudo uma coorte de 94 crianças portuguesas com idades compreendidas entre os 3 e os 5 anos (48 meninos e 46 meninas). A recolha de dados foi efectuada em 8 escolas diferentes e as capacidades motoras foram avaliadas utilizando o teste MOBAK-KG. Verificou-se que as crianças das zonas urbanas superavam as das zonas rurais nas capacidades motoras relacionadas com o controlo do corpo e dos objectos. Pelo contrário, as capacidades motoras das raparigas não apresentaram diferenças significativas em função da sua localização geográfica. Embora o ambiente geográfico influencie o desenvolvimento motor das crianças, outros factores, tais como os factores socioeconómicos e culturais, podem ter um maior impacto nas raparigas. Estes resultados sublinham a importância de nos concentrarmos no desenvolvimento motor das raparigas e de examinarmos a forma como as expectativas culturais e de género podem ter impacto nas suas capacidades motoras.