Physical Activity, Perceived Competence and Enjoyment During High School Physical Education

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Abstract
This study aimed to assess the levels of physical activity, perceived competence and enjoyment of English secondary school children. Seventy three students (mean age 13.1 years) from 5 schools took part Physical activity was assessed during Physical Education (PE) lessons using heart rate telemetry. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured by a post lesson questionnaire. Perceived competence and enjoyment were moderately correlated among boys (p<0.001) and girls (p<0.05). Girls'PE enjoyment was negatively associated with levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA, p<0.05). Team games engaged students in most MVPA (p<0.0001). Boys enjoyed team games more than girls, who in turn most enjoyed individual activities (p<0.0001). Students classified in the low MVPA group reported higher levels of enjoyment than their high MVPA peers (p<0.05). Continued research into the relationship between psychological outcomes and physical activity within PE is necessary to determine teaching approaches that most effectively promote physical activity promotion.