Goal orientation and physical fitness

Introduction. Researchers have found that task orientation is positively related to intentions towards physical activity and exerted effort, (Duda & Hall, 2001). Furthermore, Tzetzis et al. (2002), found that children high in task orientation participated more in vigorous physical activity (VPA), regardless of their ego orientation. However, authors hypothesize that results could have been different in a highly competitive environment. Tests of physical fitness are extensively used in sport and physical education, and are regarded highly competitive. The present study investigates the effect of goal orientation on physical fitness when controlling for age, gender and objectively measured VPA. Methods. Participants (N=107) were students taking part in an introductory course in Sport Science. The mean age of the participants was 21 years (SD=1.9), and 50.5% were female. To measure aerobic fitness, participants were required to run around a volleyball court for three minutes, demanding two full stops for each lap. Total distance served as a measure of aerobic fitness. VPA was measured using an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer (Actigraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA). Students were instructed to wear the monitor for 6 consecutive days. Dispositional goal orientations were measured using the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ; Roberts, Treasure & Balague, 1998). Results. Participants wore the accelerometer for a mean of 4.8 days (SD=1.3). Time in VPA reached a mean of 8.9 minutes pr. day (SD=8.9). The regression model explained 46.1% of the variance in physical fitness (adjusted R2), and turned out statistically significant [F(5, 106)=19.13, p