MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS OF YOUTH TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES FROM ONE OF THE MAIN CLUBS IN PORTO ALEGRE

Abstract

Motivation is an important factor among the psychological aspects that lead to the practice of physical activity. This study aims to analyze the motivational factors of track and field athletes from one of the main clubs in Porto Alegre-RS. The sample consisted of 30 youth athletes from both sexes. This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive quantitative approach. The instrument used was the Inventory of Motivation for Regular Physical Activity Practice (IMPRAFE-54) by Balbinotti and Barbosa (2006). The results indicate that pleasure, followed by health, are the dimensions that most motivate athletes to practice track and field, while stress control was the least important factor. It can be concluded that the predominant factor for practicing athletics is activities that promote pleasure among athletes.