The causal relationship between physical activity

The gap

Evidence profile

Stated in the abstract and cells future research and cells research gap sections of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2020 and 2026, spanning 4 journals. Those papers have been cited 144 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Perceived teachers’ behavior and students’ engagement in physical education: the mediating role of basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation (2020) · Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy · cited 143× · doi

  Background Although several studies that rely on self-determination theory have shown the positive interrelations among perceived need supportive learning environment, needs satisfaction, quality of motivation, and desired outcomes in the context of physical education, only few studies have tested so far the full sequence of relations within a single integrated model.

  generalstated in abstractevidence 5/5
  Keywords: background several rely self determination theory positive interrelations among perceived need supportive learning environment needs
• THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS (2026) · Exercise and Quality of Life · cited 1× · doi

  Future studies should investigate the causal relationship between physical activity and quality of life among elementary school students. - Future studies should examine the factors that influence the relationship between physical activity and quality of life. - Future studies should develop interventions to promote physical activity among elementary school students.

  generalstated in cells future researchevidence 4/5
  Keywords: future studies investigate causal relationship between physical activity
• Efectos de una intervención sobre el clima interpersonal motivacional generado por el docente de Educación Física (2026) · Profesorado Revista de Currículum y Formación del Profesorado · doi

  The study identifies a gap in the literature on the effects of teacher training programs on students' motivational variables. - The study highlights the need for more research on the role of teachers in promoting physical activity and motivation in students. - The study suggests that further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of teacher training programs on students' motivational variables.

  generalstated in cells research gapevidence 4/5
  Keywords: study identifies gap literature effects teacher training programs
• Physical Activity, Academic Stress, and Motivation in Physical Education: A Cross-Sectional Analysis by Sex and Grade Level (2026) · Healthcare · doi

  However, further research is needed to better understand these dimensions, their impact, and their interrelationships, considering the potential benefits of promoting self-determined motivation in Physical Education and encouraging regular physical activity practice, particularly in reducing and coping with academic stress, with the aim of comprehensively improving the physical and mental well-being of the adolescent population and contributing to their healthy and balanced development.

  generalstated in abstractevidence 3/5
  Keywords: physical further needed better understand dimensions impact interrelationships considering potential benefits promoting self determined motivation

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