Understanding the Outcomes of Physical Education and Sports among Adults’ Participation: An Investigation of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

In order to seek an understanding as to why adults do participate in physical activities and sports as well as their interest in physical education, qualitative study may be able to provide an answer. The study systematically scrutinizes unpublished and published qualitative research papers on the reasons of adults’ participation in physical activities and sports in addition to their interest in physical education. An investigation covers gray and peer reviewed literature from 2000 to 2020. Studies were entered into investigation if these: aimed to explore the interests/experiences of participants in physical activities, sports and physical education, additionally, reasons for their participation/interest in physical activities, sports and physical education, collected information of participants using qualitative method. In the initial search, from >1000 studies acknowledged, 20 studies satisfy all the inclusion criteria set to achieve study objectives. The majority of the corresponding reported studies with adults based in various community settings. Enjoyment, social interaction and weight management were identified as the common reasons of individuals to participate in physical education, sports and physical activity. Maintaining a slim body and shape found to be the matter of great concern for women to get motivated and participate in physical activities. Older people on the other hand, indicated the importance of physical activity, sports and physical education in mitigating the effects of growing age and maintaining a social support network. Varying identities, an unfit body, and overly masculine communities were the major challenges and impediments found to lower the extent of participation of youth in physical and sports activities.