Formative Action Self-Research: Promoting Tertiary Sport and Physical Education Based on Evidence- and Experience-Based Approaches

Abstract

Purpose: Professional education in the field of sport and physical education (PE) is based primarily on evidence-based approaches. Using formative action self-research, the present study aims to present a verified method of evidence- and experience-based tertiary education of sport and PE by means of differences in the structure and volume of physical activity (PA). Method: In total, 472 Czech (203 Polish) male and 597 Czech (211 Polish) female students aged 20 to 29 years participated in the research. The subjective level of weekly PA was self-reported on the IPAQ-long and sport preferences were assessed by a questionnaire on sport preferences. Weekly PA was measured objectively using the pedometer. Results: Like in the general population, male students showed higher levels of PA than female students. Polish men and women in a single-subject sport program had significantly more vigorous school-based PA than Czech men and women studying sport and PE along with another field of study. The preference for fitness-related PA was a significant predictor of reaching 11,000 steps/day or at least 60 minutes of PA at least five times per week, and concurrently, 20 minutes of vigorous PA at least three times per week among male and female Polish and Czech students. Conclusion: Sport and PE students verified the evidence- and experience-based PA theory by means of self-research. The selfresearch of own PA using internet-based program is a suitable tool for improving the quality of tertiary education and for connecting education with research and real life.