Motivaciones, barreras y condición física en adolescentes según el estadio de cambio en ejercicio físico

Through a descriptive and cross-sectional study, a classification is made on the moment of change in physical exercise in adolescents and the relationship with motivations, barriers and physical condition is analyzed in a sample of 379 Spanish youths between 12 and 16 years old. These evaluations allow to base and elaborate proposals of action to improve the process of change of habit towards physical exercise. The results show that the majority of the population studied (52.2%) is in the Maintenance stage, observing a difference in women (38.3%), and an alarming decrease in physical activity as age increases. The most prominent motivations are prevention and health, followed by the search for fun and well-being; the most obvious barriers are obligations and lack of time. Therefore, intervention programs should take these aspects into account, offer activities compatible with school schedules, generating motivating contexts adapted to the stage in which the subject is.