Acta Gymnica e2026.002 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2026.002

Unveiling meaning in movement: A phenomenological study on students' physical activity preferences

Rolan L. Mancha
Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), Agusan del Sur, Philippines

Background: Physical inactivity has become a pressing global concern, posing significant risks to public health. University students, in particular, experience a marked decline in physical activity (PA) levels as they transition to independent living, often due to motivational, social, and environmental barriers. In the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education has introduced the Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) program to address this concern by offering diverse activity options based on student preferences.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of PATHFit students, focusing on how they derive meaning from their PA choices.

Methods: A phenomenological research design was employed, utilizing exploratory, semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected participants (six males and six females) from various PATHFit 4 classes, including volleyball, basketball, arnis, badminton, dance sports, and traditional games. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify patterns and essential themes from participants' experiences.

Results: The analysis revealed five essential themes: (1) building confidence and social skills through active participation, (2) gaining understanding through meaningful participation, (3) developing self-belief over time through practice and self-awareness, (4) balancing identity, peer pressure, and cultural influences in sports, and (5) overcoming personal, social, and time barriers to participation. These themes highlighted that students' PA preferences were shaped by intrinsic motivation, peer relationships, cultural identity, and the perceived challenges and rewards of participation.

Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of offering diverse, culturally relevant physical activities that foster skill development, confidence, and social connection. The study provides evidence-based insights for refining PATHFit curriculum guidelines to ensure inclusivity and sustained engagement among students. Strengthening support structures and accommodating students' varying needs and interests can contribute to higher PA levels, ultimately advancing health and wellness in higher education.

Keywords: physical activity, thematic analysis, preference, physical education

Received: August 1, 2025; Revised: February 12, 2026; Accepted: February 13, 2026; Published online: February 23, 2026  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Mancha, R.L. (2026). Unveiling meaning in movement: A phenomenological study on students' physical activity preferences. Acta Gymnica, 56, Article e2026.002. https://doi.org/10.5507/ag.2026.002
Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Bandura, A. (2013). Self-efficacy: The foundation of agency. In W. J Perrig & A. Grob (Eds.), Control of human behavior, mental processes, and consciousness (pp. 16-30). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410605412 Go to original source...
    2. Beggs, B. A., Elkins, D. J., & Powers, S. (2005). Overcoming barriers to participation in campus recreational sports. Recreational Sports Journal, 29(2), 143-155. https://doi.org/10.1123/rsj.29.2.143 Go to original source...
    3. Booth, F. W., Roberts, C. K., & Laye, M. J. (2012). Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(2), 1143-1211. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c110025 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    4. Brach, J. S., Simonsick, E. M., Kritchevsky, S., Yaffe, K., & Newman, A. B. (2004). The association between physical function and lifestyle activity and exercise in the health, aging and body composition study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(4), 502-509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52154.x Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    5. Bray, S. R., & Born, H. A. (2004). Transition to university and vigorous physical activity: Implications for health and psychological well-being. Journal of American College Health, 52(4), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.3200/JACH.52.4.181-188 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    6. Bundy, A., Engelen, L., Wyver, S., Tranter, P., Ragen, J., Bauman, A., Baur, L., Schiller, W., Simpson, J. M., Niehues, A. N., Perry, G., Jessup, G., & Naughton, G. (2017). Sydney playground project: A cluster-randomized trial to increase physical activity, play, and social skills. Journal of School Health, 87(10), 751-759. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12550 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    7. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Steps in conducting a scholarly mixed methods study. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dberspeakers/48
    8. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
    9. Dumith, S. C., Hallal, P. C., Reis, R. S., & Kohl, H. W., III (2011). Worldwide prevalence of physical inactivity and its association with Human Development Index in 76 countries. Preventive Medicine, 53(1-2), 24-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.02.017 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    10. Erikson, E. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. International Universities Press.
    11. Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202 Go to original source...
    12. Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitive-developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), 906-911. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.34.10.906 Go to original source...
    13. Goleman, D. (2001). Emotional intelligence: Issues in paradigm building. In D. Goleman & C. Cherniss (Eds.), The emotionally intelligent workplace: How to select for, measure, and improve emotional intelligence in individuals, groups, and organizations (pp. 13-26). Jossey-Bass.
    14. Graupensperger, S. A., Benson, A. J., & Evans, M. B. (2018). Everyone else is doing it: The association between social identity and susceptibility to peer influence in NCAA athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 40(3), 117-127.https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2017-0339 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    15. Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X05279903 Go to original source...
    16. Hilland, T. A., Stratton, G., Vinson, D., & Fairclough, S. (2009). The physical education predisposition scale: Preliminary development and validation. Journal of Sport Sciences, 27(14), 1555-1563. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903147513 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    17. Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: Developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954-2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    18. Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT Press.
    19. Kostiainen, E., Ukskoski, T., Ruohotie-Lyhty, M., Kauppinen, M., Kainulainen, J., & Mäkinen, T. (2018). Meaningful learning in teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 71, 66-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.12.009 Go to original source...
    20. Kwan, M. Y., Cairney, J., Faulkner, G. E., & Pullenayegum, E. E. (2012). Physical activity and other health-risk behaviours during the transition into early adulthood: A longitudinal cohort study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 42(1), 14-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2011.08.026 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    21. Li, K.-K., Cardinal, B. J., & Settersten, R. A. (2009). A life-course perspective on physical activity promotion: Application and implication. Quest, 61(3), 336-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2009.10483620 Go to original source...
    22. Litt, D. M., Iannotti, R. J., & Wang, J. (2011). Motivations for adolescent physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 8(2), 220-226. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.8.2.220 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    23. MacPherson, E., Kerr, G., & Stirling, A. (2016). The influence of peer groups in organized sport on female adolescents' identity development. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 23, 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.10.002 Go to original source...
    24. Martin, J. T., Tubera, J. G., Monta, V. D., Naguiat, E. S., Yambao, M. J. C., Tullao, M., Mendoza, J. J. N., Santos, M. E., & Baligad, R. A. (2016). Motivation and physical activity participation of Filipino college students. Asia Life Sciences, 25(1), 245-254. https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPP-00000181891
    25. Muszkieta, R., Napierała, M., Cie¶licka, M., Żukov, W., Kozina, Z., Iermakov, S., & Górny, M. (2019). The professional attitudes of teachers of physical education. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19(Suppl. 1), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2019.s1014 Go to original source...
    26. Pajares, F., & Schunk, D. H. (2002). Self and self-belief in psychology and education: A historical perspective. In J. Aronson (Ed.), Improving academic achievement (pp. 3-21). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012064455-1/50004-X Go to original source...
    27. Podstawski, R., Wesołowska, E., Gizińska, R., & Sołoma, A. (2013). Health attitudes and behaviours of first-year University of Warmia and Mazury students: A call for implementing health education at universities. Problems in Education in the 21th Century, 54, 76-90. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/13.54.76 Go to original source...
    28. Podstawski, R., Żurawik, M., Borysławski, K., Bukova, A., Masanovic, B., Alföldi, Z., & Żurek, P. (2021). State and status of physical education in tertiary institutions in selected European countries in the second decade of the 21st century. Acta Gymnica, 51, Article e2021.013. https://doi.org/10.5507/ag.2021.013 Go to original source...
    29. Power, T. G., Ullrich-French, S. C., Steele, M. M., Daratha, K. B., & Bindler, R. C. (2011). Obesity, cardiovascular fitness, and physically active adolescents' motivations for activity: A self-determination theory approach. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(6), 593-598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.07.002 Go to original source...
    30. Rauff, E. L., & Kumazawa, M. (2024). Physical activity motives and self-efficacy to overcome physical activity barriers in first-year undergraduates: Do they differ based on physical activity levels? Journal of American College Health, 72(7), 2242-2249. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2109032 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    31. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.68 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    32. Ręzková, E., Labudová, J., Grznár, L. U., & ©mída, M. (2018). Effects of aquafitness with high intensity interval training on physical fitness. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 18(Suppl. 1), 373-381. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2018.s151 Go to original source...
    33. Schunk, D. H., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2021). Self-efficacy and human motivation. In A. J. Elliot (Ed.), Advances in motivation science (pp. 153-179). Elsevier Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.adms.2020.10.001 Go to original source...
    34. Siswanto, S., Saimroh, S., Muthmainna, A., Nurhijriah, N., & Siswanto, S. (2024). The role of self-confidence and self-awareness in enhancing academic value: An SEM analysis. International Journal of Social Learning, 5(1), 189-201. https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v5i1.310 Go to original source...
    35. ©mída, M., Macejková, Y., & Ręzková, E. (2018). Aerobic workout on a rowing ergometer and blood sugar level. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 18(Suppl. 1), 392-396. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2018.s154 Go to original source...
    36. Urbanova, M., & Labudova, J. (2010). The main motivational factors for doing aqua fitness of Slovak women. Sport Science Review, 19(3-4), 209-216. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10237-011-0026-7 Go to original source...
    37. Valentine, S. (2017). Meaningful participation from the participants' perspective [Unpublished master's thesis]. Swedish University of Agricultural Science. https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/10614/7/valentine_s_170818.pdf
    38. Vetrovsky, T., Vetrovska, K., & Bunc, V. (2019). A qualitative exploration of the experiences of primary care patients engaged in email counseling meant to increase physical activity. Acta Gymnica, 49(2), 75-82. https://doi.org/10.5507/ag.2019.005 Go to original source...
    39. Vièar, M. (2018). Self-confidence, commitment and goal-setting in Czech athletes at different performance levels. Acta Gymnica, 48(3), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.5507/ag.2018.018 Go to original source...
    40. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society. Harvard University Press.
    41. Wojnar, D. M., & Swanson, K. M. (2007). Phenomenology: An exploration. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 25(3), 172-180. https://doi.org/10.1177/153944920502500303 Go to original source...

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content