RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE IN CHILDHOOD/ADOLESCENCE WITH SELF-PERCEIVED PHYSICAL COMPETENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN ADULTHOOD: A NETWORK ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.16891/2317-434X.v13.e3.a2025.id2052Keywords:
Motor practices in childhood, Sports Competence, ComplexityAbstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between physical activity during childhood and adolescence with self-perceived physical competence and physical activity in adulthood, using an artificial neural network approach. The study included 109 university adults of both sexes aged 18 to 25 years. Physical activity was assessed using the Baecke Questionnaire, and self-perceived physical competence was measured using the Fox and Corbin Physical Self-Perception Scale. Participation in physical activity during childhood and adolescence was assessed through objective questions. The results demonstrated that physical activity during adolescence had a stronger and more direct relationship with physical activity in adulthood compared to childhood physical activity. Additionally, self-perceived sports competence was shown to be a relevant factor in maintaining physical activity throughout adulthood. Network analysis revealed that physical activity during adolescence had the highest strength centrality, indicating it exerted the greatest influence on associations with other variables in the network. On the other hand, gender showed negative relationships with several variables in the network, suggesting gender differences in physical activity and self-perceived competence. The study highlights the importance of interventions focused on promoting motor skills from childhood to promote an active lifestyle over time.