Reasons for psysical-sport practice in the Región de Murcia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the reasons why the population of the Region of Murcia does sport and physical activity, taking the way people think about them into account, as well as the importance they place on physical activity and food as elements related to the concept of health. We suggest that these reasons are taken into account in the training process of professionals that work in the field of physical activities so that the latter can be more in line with the requirements  of a society immersed in leisure culture and free time. To do this, we analyse what people think sport and physical activity are, according to age and gender, and the influence elements such as physical activity and food have on the concept of health, relating all this to the reasons for doing sport and physical activity. The sample chosen for this research is formed of 1,107 subjects aged between 15 and 64. The information was collected using the CAPAFD instrument (Questionnaire for Analysing Sport and Physical Activities) specifically prepared for this research. After different analyses of independence between variables using Pearson’s χ² tests completed with residual analyses, among others, the conclusions obtained point towards the fact that physical activity is the most important element defining the concept of health for adults and males. Concern for their physical image and attractiveness is greater among women, young and middle-aged people and clearly decreases in older people. Women and older people are more careful with their food, with this interest starting at an earlier age in females than in males. The idea of everyone doing sport and physical activity is predominant throughout the population of the Region of Murcia. Nevertheless, the diversity of interests and motivations is obvious. Whilst young people tend to prefer competition, adults, older people and women do sport and physical activity because it is fun, relaxing and they interact with other people.