Journal Article

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

Lonsdale, Chris, Babic, Mark J., Morgan, Philip J., White, Rhiannon L., Plotnikoff, Ronald C., Lubans, David R.

2014

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adolescent / Age Factors / Body Image - psychology / Child / Children & youth / Exercise / Humans / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Motor Activity / Physical fitness / Physical Fitness - psychology / Self Concept / Self Efficacy / Self esteem / Sex Factors / Sports Medicine / Studies / Systematic Review