Motivos en la práctica de ejercicio y condición física en deportistas marciales adolescentes en nueva normalidad

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine the reasons in the practice of physical exercise, and its relationship with the physical condition -agility, flexibility, explosive strength- of adolescent martial art athletes in the new normal. The sample is made up of 56 taekwondo athletes and 18 karate athletes. The Reasons to Practice Physical Exercise Self-report (AMPEF, for its name in Spanish) was used, as well as the tests of Illinois, sit and reach and vertical jump quantified agility, flexibility of the hamstring muscles and explosive strength of the lower body. Statistical analysis–Pearson's correlation coefficient–was performed between motivations and physical condition. The main motivational factors of the adolescent athletes were prevention and positive health (M=8.9; SD=1.69), challenge (M=8.9; SD=1.8), and fun and well-being (M=8.6; SD=1,9). Physical tests showed excellent results in agility and flexibility but explosive strength was below average. There were positive correlations between the abilities of agility (0.86 in men and 0.80 in women), strength (0.90 in men and 0.84 in women), and their corresponding motivational factors, as well as a negative correlation between flexibility (-0.88 in men and -0.90 in women) and their respective motivation. It is concluded that the results of the AMPEF questionnaire and levels of agility, flexibility, and explosive strength are correlated either positively or negatively, with high values in Pearson's coefficient. This means that teenage martial athletes are aware of their physical abilities and show motivation to improve their skills.