Students' perceived physical competence and physical activity engagement across one year of school-based program

Several school-based interventions have shown to be successful in regard to promote students’ physical activity engagement (e.g. Carrell et al., 2005; Gråstén et al., 2015; Schneider-Jamner et al., 2004; Ward, 2011; Webber et al., 2008). Despite, an age-related decline in physical activity indicates that there might be deficiencies in the programs being implemented (Cairney et al., 2012). Previous studies have consistently revealed that perceived physical competence is a crucial factor behind physical activity (Cox, Smith, & Williams, 2008; Kalaja, 2012; Yli-Piipari, 2011). The Physical Activity as Civil Skill Program was implemented to prevent long-term effects of inactivity on children’s and youth’s well-being and health by promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and perceived physical competence. The present study investigated the effects of the particular program. The covariance effects of gender, grade, mark, and body mass index (BMI) on MVPA and physical competence were also analyzed.