Motives for participating in international-level masters athletics

Kevin Bradley, Gregory S. Kolt, Maynard M. Williams

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    Aim: Participation in physical activity and sport by older people is growing. This growth is particularly evident for participation in organized masters sport. Research on motives for participation in masters sport, however, is limited. This exploratory study was carried out to identify the participation motives of track and field competitors at the 2002 World Masters Games. Study Design: A field survey approach was used to collect data. Setting: World Masters Games (2002). Participants: Participants were 304 (186 male and 110 female) adults ranging in age from 31-88 years [M=53.6, SD= 12.0), who had been participating in masters track and field for a mean of 8.6 (SD =8.7) years. Outcome Measures: All participants completed the Participation Motivation Questionnaire for Older Adults. Results: The most highly ranked motives for participation were fitness, keeping healthy, challenge, competition, fun, and excitement. Factor analysis of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire for Older Adults showed six factors: Recognition,Social, Fitness,Medical,Competition/Challenge, and Involvement, similar to that in other studies of older adults. Profile analyses identified significant differences in reasons for participation in masters track and field based on age and training volume leading up to World Masters Games. Conclusions: The findings have implications for the development and implementation of training and competition programs in rnasters sport.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalNew Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine
    Publication statusPublished - 2005

    Keywords

    • competition
    • injury
    • participation

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