Effects of Self-rated Health, Fitness and Perceived Exercise Effectiveness on Physical Activity Levels among Recreational Sports Participants

This study purposed to provide empirical evidence to inform strategies for increasing physical activity participation by examining the effects of perceived health and fitness levels and perceived exercise effectiveness on exercise intensity and frequency among individuals who regularly engage in recreational physical activity. This study examined factors associated with physical activity levels using data from the 2024 National Sports for All Survey. The main findings are as follows. First, higher perceived health and fitness levels were associated with a greater likelihood of participating in moderate- or high-intensity exercise, compared with low-intensity exercise. Second, higher perceived health levels were associated with a greater likelihood of exercising two to three times per week rather than less than once per week. Third, higher perceived physical effectiveness of exercise was associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in moderate- and high-intensity exercise. Fourth, higher perceived physical effectiveness was also associated with a greater likelihood of exercising two to three times per week and four or more times per week, compared with once or less per week. In contrast, higher perceived mental effectiveness was associated with a lower likelihood of exercising two to three times per week and four or more times per week. Finally, higher perceived medical cost-saving effectiveness was associated with a greater likelihood of exercising four or more times per week.