A Data-Driven Analysis of the Mediating Role of Physical Fitness in the Relationship Between Motivation and Physical Educational Learning Outcomes

Authors

  • M. Dina Sefrianda Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
  • Nurul Ihsan Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
  • Masrun Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
  • Sepriadi Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
  • Ardo Okilanda Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/jasme.v6i2.1150

Keywords:

Physical Education, Motivation, Physical Fitness, Mediation Analysis, Data-Driven Education

Abstract

Background: Learning outcomes in physical education are influenced by both psychological and physiological factors. However, the mechanism through which motivation contributes to learning outcomes, particularly through physical fitness as an intervening variable, remains underexplored in educational research.

Aims: This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect effects of motivation and physical fitness on physical education learning outcomes among junior high school students.

Method: A quantitative, data-driven approach with a causal-associative design was employed. The sample consisted of 32 students selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a Likert-scale motivation questionnaire, the Indonesian Student Fitness Test (TKSI Phase D), and students’ academic performance records. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, normality testing, and mediation analysis using multiple regression.

Results: The results indicate that motivation significantly affects physical fitness (β = 0.547, p < 0.001) and has a direct effect on learning outcomes (β = 0.295, p < 0.05). Physical fitness also significantly influences learning outcomes (β = 0.331, p < 0.05). Furthermore, physical fitness partially mediates the relationship between motivation and learning outcomes, with an indirect effect of 27.6%.

Conclusion: Motivation and physical fitness significantly influence physical education learning outcomes, both directly and indirectly. Physical fitness functions as an important mediating variable, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that enhance both student motivation and physical condition to improve academic performance.

References

Alam, D. A. (2023). From Teacher-Centered To Student-Centered Learning: The Role Of Constructivism And Connectivism In Pedagogical Transformation. Journal Of Education, 11(2).

Angriman, F., Godoy, L. C., & Lawler, P. R. (2024). What Is Mediation Analysis? JACC: Advances, 3(1), 100746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100746

Ballen, C. J., & Salehi, S. (2021). Mediation Analysis in Discipline-Based Education Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: Beyond "What Works" to Understand How It Works, and for Whom. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, 22(2), 10.1128/jmbe.00108-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00108-21

Barbosa, A., Whiting, S., Simmonds, P., Moreno, R. S., Mendes, R., & Breda, J. (2020). Physical Activity and Academic Achievement: An Umbrella Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165972

Bates, L. C., Zieff, G., Stanford, K., Moore, J. B., Kerr, Z. Y., Hanson, E. D., Gibbs, B. B., Kline, C. E., & Stoner, L. (2020). COVID-19 Impact on Behaviors across the 24-Hour Day in Children and Adolescents: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep. Children, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/children7090138

Bhardwaj, V., Zhang, S., Tan, Y. Q., & Pandey, V. (2025). Redefining learning: Student-centered strategies for academic and personal growth. Frontiers in Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1518602

Block, M. E., Haegele, J., Kelly, L., & Obrusnikova, I. (2021). Exploring Future Research in Adapted Physical Education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 92(3), 429-442. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2020.1741500

Brown, C. E. B., Richardson, K., Halil-Pizzirani, B., Atkins, L., Yücel, M., & Segrave, R. A. (2024). Key influences on university students' physical activity: A systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B model of human behaviour. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 418. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17621-4

Cents-Boonstra, M., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., Denessen, E., Aelterman, N., & Haerens, L. (2021). Fostering student engagement with motivating teaching: An observation study of teacher and student behaviours. Research Papers in Education, 36(6), 754-779. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2020.1767184

Chen, R., Wang, L., Wang, B., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Motivational climate, need satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and physical activity of students in secondary school physical education in China. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1687. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09750-x

Córdova Olivera, P., Gasser Gordillo, P., Naranjo Mejía, H., La Fuente Taborga, I., Grajeda Chacón, A., & Sanjinés Unzueta, A. (2023). Academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students. Cogent Education, 10(2), 2232686. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2232686

de Bruijn, A. G. M., de Greeff, J. W., Temlali, T. Y., Oosterlaan, J., Smith, J., & Hartman, E. (2023). Objectively measured physical activity during primary school physical education predicts intrinsic motivation independently of academic achievement level. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(S1), 90-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12527

Dominguez, A., Garza, J. D. la, Quezada-Espinoza, M., & Zavala, G. (2023). Integration of Physics and Mathematics in STEM Education: Use of Modeling. Education Sciences, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14010020

Edwards, K. D., & Konold, T. R. (2020). Moderated Mediation Analysis: A Review and Application to School Climate Research. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 25.

Estrada, M., Monferrer, D., Rodríguez, A., & Moliner, M. Á. (2021). Does Emotional Intelligence Influence Academic Performance? The Role of Compassion and Engagement in Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainability, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041721

Fernandez-Rio, J., de las Heras, E., González, T., Trillo, V., & Palomares, J. (2020). Gamification and physical education. Viability and preliminary views from students and teachers. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 25(5), 509-524. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2020.1743253

Fierro-Suero, S., Castillo, I., Almagro, B. J., & Saénz-López, P. (2023). The role of motivation and emotions in physical education: Understanding academic achievement and the intention to be physically active. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1253043

Fossati, C., Torre, G., Vasta, S., Giombini, A., Quaranta, F., Papalia, R., & Pigozzi, F. (2021). Physical Exercise and Mental Health: The Routes of a Reciprocal Relation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312364

Frikha, M., Mezghanni, N., Chaâri, N., Said, N. B., Alibrahim, M. S., Alhumaid, M. M., Hassan, M. M., Alharbi, R. S., Amira, M. S., & Abouzeid, N. (2024). Towards improving online learning in physical education: Gender differences and determinants of motivation, psychological needs satisfaction, and academic achievement in Saudi students. PLOS ONE, 19(2), e0297822. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297822

García-Hermoso, A., Alonso-Martínez, A. M., Ramírez-Vélez, R., Pérez-Sousa, M. Á., Ramírez-Campillo, R., & Izquierdo, M. (2020). Association of Physical Education With Improvement of Health-Related Physical Fitness Outcomes and Fundamental Motor Skills Among Youths: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 174(6), e200223. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0223

Gaspar, V., Gil-Arias, A., Villar, F. D., Práxedes, A., & Moreno, A. (2021). How TGfU Influence on Students' Motivational Outcomes in Physical Education? A Study in Elementary School Context. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105407

Ghosh, D., Sekiguchi, T., & Fujimoto, Y. (2020). Psychological detachment: A creativity perspective on the link between intrinsic motivation and employee engagement. Personnel Review, 49(9), 1789-1804. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-12-2018-0480

Guimarães, J. P., Fuentes-García, J. P., González-Silva, J., & Martínez-Patiño, M. J. (2023). Physical Activity, Body Image, and Its Relationship with Academic Performance in Adolescents. Healthcare, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040602

Gulzar, M. A., Ahmad, M., Hassan, M., & Rasheed, M. I. (2022). How social media use is related to student engagement and creativity: Investigating through the lens of intrinsic motivation. Behaviour & Information Technology, 41(11), 2283-2293. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2021.1917660

Guo, Q., Samsudin, S., Yang, X., Gao, J., Ramlan, M. A., Abdullah, B., & Farizan, N. H. (2023). Relationship between Perceived Teacher Support and Student Engagement in Physical Education: A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076039

Herbert, C. (2022). Enhancing Mental Health, Well-Being and Active Lifestyles of University Students by Means of Physical Activity and Exercise Research Programs. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.849093

Hidayat, C., Lengkana, A. S., Rohyana, A., Purwanto, D., Razali, & Rosalina, M. (2023). Motivating Active Learning in Physical Education: Critical Thinking. European Journal of Educational Research, 12(2), 1137-1151. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.2.1137

Kalajas-Tilga, H., Koka, A., Hein, V., Tilga, H., & Raudsepp, L. (2020). Motivational processes in physical education and objectively measured physical activity among adolescents. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 9(5), 462-471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2019.06.001

Kerimbayev, N., Umirzakova, Z., Shadiev, R., & Jotsov, V. (2023). A student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning: A systematic review of the literature. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00280-8

Latino, F., & Tafuri, F. (2024). Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning. Medicina, 60(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020216

Leo, F. M., Mouratidis, A., Pulido, J. J., López-Gajardo, M. A., & Sánchez-Oliva, D. (2022). Perceived teachers' behavior and students' engagement in physical education: The mediating role of basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 27(1), 59-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2020.1850667

Liu, Q. (2023). Interdisciplinary Integration in Physical Education Curriculum Design and Implementation: A Study on the Role and Strategies. The Educational Review, USA, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.26855/er.2023.10.010

Liu, T., & Lipowski, M. (2021). Influence of Cooperative Learning Intervention on the Intrinsic Motivation of Physical Education Students-A Meta-Analysis within a Limited Range. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062989

Liu, Y., Zhai, X., Zhang, Y., Jiang, C., Zeng, J., Yang, M., Xie, X., Zhou, F., & Xiang, B. (2023). The promoting effect of exercise motivation on physical fitness in college students: A mediation effect model. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 2244. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17154-w

Luo, Y.-J., Lin, M.-L., Hsu, C.-H., Liao, C.-C., & Kao, C.-C. (2020). The Effects of Team-Game-Tournaments Application towards Learning Motivation and Motor Skills in College Physical Education. Sustainability, 12(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156147

Ma, D., Akram, H., & Li, S. (2025). Assessing the role of physical activity in shaping students' academic motivation: The mediating role of mental health. BMC Public Health, 26(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-25541-8

Martin-Alguacil, N., Avedillo, L., Mota-Blanco, R., & Gallego-Agundez, M. (2024). Student-Centered Learning: Some Issues and Recommendations for Its Implementation in a Traditional Curriculum Setting in Health Sciences. Education Sciences, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111179

Martín-Rodríguez, A., Gostian-Ropotin, L. A., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Belando-Pedreño, N., Simón, J. A., López-Mora, C., Navarro-Jiménez, E., Tornero-Aguilera, J. F., & Clemente-Suárez, V. J. (2024). Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health. Sports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010037

Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Madrigal-Cerezo, R. (2025). Technology-Enhanced Pedagogy in Physical Education: Bridging Engagement, Learning, and Lifelong Activity. Education Sciences, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040409

Mokmin, N. A. M., & Jamiat, N. (2021). The effectiveness of a virtual fitness trainer app in motivating and engaging students for fitness activity by applying motor learning theory. Education and Information Technologies, 26(2), 1847-1864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10337-7

Moura, A., Graça, A., MacPhail, A., & Batista, P. (2021). Aligning the principles of assessment for learning to learning in physical education: A review of literature. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 26(4), 388-401. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2020.1834528

Murayama, K. (2022). A reward-learning framework of knowledge acquisition: An integrated account of curiosity, interest, and intrinsic-extrinsic rewards. Psychological Review, 129(1), 175-198. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000349

Nguyen, T. Q., Schmid, I., & Stuart, E. A. (2021). Clarifying causal mediation analysis for the applied researcher: Defining effects based on what we want to learn. Psychological Methods, 26(2), 255-271. https://doi.org/10.1037/met0000299

Norris, E., Steen, T. van, Direito, A., & Stamatakis, E. (2020). Physically active lessons in schools and their impact on physical activity, educational, health and cognition outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-100502

O'Brien, W., Adamakis, M., O' Brien, N., Onofre, M., Martins, J., Dania, A., Makopoulou, K., Herold, F., Ng, K., & Costa, J. (2020). Implications for European Physical Education Teacher Education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-institutional SWOT analysis. European Journal of Teacher Education, 43(4), 503-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2020.1823963

Ouyang, Y., Wang, K., Zhang, T., Peng, L., Song, G., & Luo, J. (2020). The Influence of Sports Participation on Body Image, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Esteem in College Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03039

Pérez-Ramírez, J. A., González-Fernández, F. T., & Villa-González, E. (2024). Effect of School-Based Endurance and Strength Exercise Interventions in Improving Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents. Applied Sciences, 14(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209200

Rosenkranz, R. R., Ridley, K., Guagliano, J. M., & Rosenkranz, S. K. (2023). Physical activity capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior in youth settings: Theoretical framework to guide physical activity leader interventions. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 16(1), 529-553. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2021.1904434

Rudd, J. R., Pesce, C., Strafford, B. W., & Davids, K. (2020). Physical Literacy - A Journey of Individual Enrichment: An Ecological Dynamics Rationale for Enhancing Performance and Physical Activity in All. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01904

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860

Sember, V., Jurak, G., Kovač, M., Morrison, S. A., & Starc, G. (2020). Children's Physical Activity, Academic Performance, and Cognitive Functioning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00307

Shin, M., & Bolkan, S. (2021). Intellectually stimulating students' intrinsic motivation: The mediating influence of student engagement, self-efficacy, and student academic support. Communication Education, 70(2), 146-164. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2020.1828959

Sluijs, E. M. F. van, Ekelund, U., Crochemore-Silva, I., Guthold, R., Ha, A., Lubans, D., Oyeyemi, A. L., Ding, D., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2021). Physical activity behaviours in adolescence: Current evidence and opportunities for intervention. The Lancet, 398(10298), 429-442. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01259-9

Su, W., & Liu, Q. (2025). The impact of physical education teacher support on sport participation among college students: The chain mediating effects of physical education learning motivation and self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1592753

Swann, C., Rosenbaum, S., Lawrence, A., Vella, S. A., McEwan, D., & Ekkekakis, P. (2021). Updating goal-setting theory in physical activity promotion: A critical conceptual review. Health Psychology Review, 15(1), 34-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2019.1706616

Van den Broeck, A., Howard, J. L., Van Vaerenbergh, Y., Leroy, H., & Gagné, M. (2021). Beyond intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: A meta-analysis on self-determination theory's multidimensional conceptualization of work motivation. Organizational Psychology Review, 11(3), 240-273. https://doi.org/10.1177/20413866211006173

Vasconcellos, D., Parker, P. D., Hilland, T., Cinelli, R., Owen, K. B., Kapsal, N., Lee, J., Antczak, D., Ntoumanis, N., Ryan, R. M., & Lonsdale, C. (2020). Self-determination theory applied to physical education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(7), 1444-1469. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000420

White, R. L., Bennie, A., Vasconcellos, D., Cinelli, R., Hilland, T., Owen, K. B., & Lonsdale, C. (2021). Self-determination theory in physical education: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Teaching and Teacher Education, 99, 103247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103247

Zhamardiy, V. O., Shkola, O. M., Okhrimenko, I. M., Strelchenko, O. G., Aloshyna, A. I., Opanasiuk, F. H., Griban, G. P., Yahodzinskyi, V. P., Mozolev, O. M., & Prontenko, K. V. (2020). Checking of the methodical system efficiency of fitness technologies application in students' physical education. Wiadomości Lekarskie, 73(2), 332-341. https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202002125

Zhang, J., Soh, K. G., Bai, X., Anuar, M. A. M., & Xiao, W. (2024). Optimizing learning outcomes in physical education: A comprehensive systematic review of hybrid pedagogical models integrated with the Sport Education Model. PLOS ONE, 19(12), e0311957. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311957

Downloads

Published

2026-04-16