Physical fitness indicators and physical activity behind self-determined motivation in Emirati female college students.

Background: Physical inactivity is a public health concern, especially among young Middle Eastern women. Individuals with higher levels of physical fitness are more likely to engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as lower physical effort may reduce discomfort during activities and enhance motivation to remain active. Methods: This follow-up study examined physical fitness indicators and MVPA related to self-determined motivational regulation among Emirati female college students. A total of 254 participants (aged 18-24 years) completed questionnaires and objective assessments of MVPA, body composition (fat and muscle mass), and muscular strength (handgrip). Motivational regulations were assessed at baseline (T0) and eight weeks later (T1), while laboratory measures and MVPA were collected at baseline (T0). A path model, including MVPA, fat and muscle mass, and handgrip strength as independent variables and motivational regulations as dependent variables, was tested. Results: Findings showed that handgrip strength was positively associated with intrinsic, integrated, and identified regulation, while higher MVPA was positively associated with identified regulation and negatively associated with non-regulation. Higher fat mass and lower muscle mass were associated with greater non-regulation. As expected, motivational regulations remained stable over eight weeks, indicating constant self-assessments. Discussion: Promoting engagement in muscle-strengthening activities and MVPA among Emirati female college students may foster more autonomous motivation for physical activity and support long-term health outcomes.