Physical activity and self-efficacy in normal and over-fat children.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the independent and combined association of self-efficacy and fatness with physical activity in 5(th) grade children.
METHODS: Participants were 281 students (10.4 ± 0.7 years). Physical activity was assessed using a self-report question. Self-efficacy to be physically active was assessed using a 5-point scale. Body fatness was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests were used.
RESULTS: There were no differences in reported days of physical activity between boys and girls, and normal-fat and over-fat children. However, children with high self-efficacy participated in significantly more physical activity compared to their low self-efficacy counterparts (3.4 ± 2.0 days vs. 5.4 ± 1.8 days, respectively, p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: Only physical activity self-efficacy was related to physical activity, fatness was not.