Methodological approaches to examine latent motivational profiles for physical activity – a scoping review

Motivation is a key driver of sustained physical activity (PA), yet research on motivational profiles (MPs) has used varying instruments and analytical approaches, limiting comparability. No methodological synthesis has been available to date. This scoping review provides the first comprehensive mapping of methods used to identify MPs in PA, evaluates measurement tools in terms of continuum coverage and reported psychometric support, and synthesises covariate-analytic strategies, offering recommendations for future research. Following PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we systematically searched Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed for peer-reviewed articles from inception to February 2024, with alerts screened until July 2025. Seventy-five studies were included. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, instruments, analytical techniques, covariate handling, reported limitations, and key methodological reporting features. Most studies focused on adolescents and young adults, mainly in Europe. Cluster analysis was most frequently applied, followed by latent profile analysis. Across 22 instruments, the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-III and the Behavioural Regulation in Sport Questionnaire emerged as comparatively comprehensive options. Covariates ranged from sociodemographic, behavioural and psychological to social and health-related factors, with post hoc group comparisons, regression-based approaches, and model-integrated strategies commonly applied. Common limitations included restricted generalisability, lack of causal inference, and limited inclusion of relevant variables, often compounded by reliance on self-reported data. Overall, the field has increasingly adopted model-based approaches, but heterogeneity in measurement, profile identification, and covariate handling continues to constrain cross-study comparability. This review offers a methodological reference to support more transparent and cumulative MP research in PA.