The Unifying Theory of Physical Activity

Abstract

This article offers a governing, trans-disciplinary theory for understanding physical activity in humans. The Unifying Theory of Physical Activity involves three aspects. First, it frames physical activity as an essential human act resulting from inherent urges: to feel, to explore, to transform and to connect. These urges prelude and compel peoples' involvement in physical activity and contribute to the meanings and purposes that sustain life and growth. Second, we argue the act of physical activity is made of three conditions. Physical activity possesses a potentiality, and it is distinct and integrated. Third, at the external level, there are social, political, and situated forces that interplay with the urges and shape human experience in / of physical activity. We offer conclusions about how this theory can inform research, policy, and practice about physical education, physical activity and health promotion.

Clustering of Obesogenic Behaviors Associated With Bullying Roles Among 100,794 Adolescents

“…However, adolescent behavior literature has mainly focused on "physical" health determinants. Less attention has been paid to adolescents' psychosocial attributes, mental health, and spiritual elements linked to that behavior (Matias & Piggin, 2022). Consequently, schools have adopted a limited view of the importance of promoting health behaviors beyond obesity/cardiovascular/ diabetes consequences, albeit for benevolent purposes.…”

Estratégias para promover motivação para a atividade física no contexto da atenção primária à saúde

“…The research presents an epistemological and ontological position (suggesting expansion in our understanding) about the human expression of movement that considers physical activity as the nature of our existence 8 . Therefore, we are active beings oriented toward exploration 12 ; this human virtue is oriented by essential reasons that are in the soul of the physical activity, such as the need to integrate our feelings, our curiosity, our ability to learn, and our quest to understanding (about us, the others, and the world) 8 .…”

“…Contemporary theories such as the Unifying Theory of Physical Activity (UTPA) draw attention to this complex relationship between the motivational determinants in behavior change processes and physical activity 8 . The UTPA observes that the human expression of physical activity, before any other contingent (such as acting to avoid disease), is oriented by inherent reasons and essences to the human being (the urges).…”

“…Those urges (feeling, exploring, transforming, and connecting) precede psychological needs, motivations, and potential health outcomes. Animating with quality those urges is the primordial base of an integrated and significant experience of physical activity 8 .…”

“…Physical activity is primarily a constitutional aspect (generates existence, awareness about us, others, and the world) in the embodied relationship between the individual and the environment. Thus, the attention to the most fundamental elements in the physical activity promotion (such as the urges and basic psychological needs) is a way to favor people so that they act purposefully (in opposition to acting by fear or guilt), satisfying their interests, exercising their capacities, seeking a sense of community and cultural integration actively, and being capable of integrating effort, emotions, ideas, and interests within a unified system 8 .…”