AUTHOR=Peng Jiale , Yu Wenlang , Wang Wenxing , Wang Leyi , Shan Wei , Ren Hong 

TITLE=Why have extensive efforts to improve adolescents’ physical fitness seen limited success? A mediation analysis of physical activity enjoyment, physical activity and physical fitness

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1572826

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1572826

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveInvestigate the association of physical activity enjoyment (PAE), physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) among adolescents using a mediation model.Methods845 students (420 males, 425 females) were selected via stratified random cluster sampling. Demographic data were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Adolescent PAE was evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, while PA was quantified with the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3). PF was assessed on-site in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the National Physical Fitness Standards for Students. To analyze the relationships among these variables, correlation analyses and mediation techniques were employed.ResultsThe correlation analysis revealed that PAE was positively correlated with PA (r = 0.622, p < 0.001) and PF (r = 0.291, p < 0.001), PA was positively correlated with PF (r = 0.256, p < 0.001). According to the results of the mediation analysis, PAE significantly predicts PA (standardized β coefficient = 0.5274, p < 0.001) and PF (standardized β coefficient = 0.2660, p < 0.001) in a positive direction. PA significantly predicts PF (standardized β coefficient = 0.1878, p < 0.001). Bootstrap-generated confidence intervals (CI) revealed a significant indirect effect for PAE on PF (β = 0.269, 95% CI = 0.147 to 0.389, p < 0.05) and a significant direct effect for PAE on PF (β = 0.721, 95% CI = 0.513 to 0.930, p < 0.001). According to the proportion of effect calculation, the mediation effect was 27.2%.ConclusionPAE is positively associated with PF, with PA partially mediated the relation between PAE and PF. This suggests that neglecting the development of PAE in adolescents may undermine efforts to improve PF through increases in PA levels.