Gender Differences in Recreational Sports Participation among Taiwanese Adults

Abstract

This study examines the gender differences in the enjoyment of recreational sports participation among Taiwanese adults. Data were obtained using the 2007 Taiwan Social Change Survey. The questionnaire included a topical module of the International Social Survey Program regarding leisure time and sports. Results showed that male subjects were more likely to participate in recreational sports to improve their appearance and on account of their personal interest. In addition to these factors, female subjects also experienced greater motivation to participate when Taiwanese athletes performed well in international sporting competitions. This study confirmed that the factors influencing enjoyment of recreational sports participation differ among men and women. These results can be used to better inform public health professionals and other regulatory organizations formulating physical activity intervention strategies.

Motivation for Participation in Sports Based on Athletes in Team and Individual Sports

“…However, ranking of motivations for female athletes showed that teamwork, fun and fitness were more important. These results are consistent with previous studies (Egli et al, 2011;Jakobsen & Evjen, 2018;Konderic et al, 2013;Pfeiffer & Pate, 2006;Tsai et al, 2015). Egli et al (2011) concluded that there was a significant difference between the sports participation motivation of male and female athletes, with male athletes' motivation being competition and skill development, while female athletes considered fitness as the most important reason.…”

Gender-Specific Risk Factors of Physical Activity-Related Injuries among Middle School Students in Southern China

“…It is worth noting that boys had a significantly higher PARI incidence, injury risk and injury rate than girls (42.0% vs. 25.0%, 0.89 vs. 0.46 and 1.52 vs. 1.28) and different potential risk factors were found between genders, which was consistent with previous research [5,17]. Compared with girls, boys tend to be more motivated and active to engage in PA [26,27], which might elevate their exposure to PARI. This was supported by our results (boys: 97.25 min/day; girls: 59.31 min/day).…”

Age of peak performance in 50-km ultramarathoners – is it older than in marathoners?

“…The younger mean age of women, compared with men, should be mostly due to sociological factors, such as the delayed participation of women in this sport for the first time (1977 in women vs 1975 in men). The lower rates of women participation in 50-km ultramarathon race are in agreement with studies examining sex differences in sports participation and are associated with sex differences in motivation, 16 which may have their origin in childhood, 17 adolescence, 18 and young adulthood. 19 …”