title: Physical activity and physical self-concept in youth: systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence suggests that physical self-concept is associated with physical activity in children and adolescents, but no systematic review of this literature has been conducted.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the strength of associations between physical activity and physical self-concept (general and sub-domains) in children and adolescents. The secondary aim was to examine potential moderators of the association between physical activity and physical self-concept.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search of six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus) with no date restrictions was conducted. Random effects meta-analyses with correction for measurement were employed. The associations between physical activity and general physical self-concept and sub-domains were explored. A risk of bias assessment was conducted by two reviewers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search identified 64 studies to be included in the meta-analysis. Thirty-three studies addressed multiple outcomes of general physical self-concept: 28 studies examined general physical self-concept, 59 examined perceived competence, 25 examined perceived fitness, and 55 examined perceived appearance. Perceived competence was most strongly associated with physical activity (r = 0.30, 95% CI 0.24-0.35, p < 0.001), followed by perceived fitness (r = 0.26, 95% CI 0.20-0.32, p < 0.001), general physical self-concept (r = 0.25, 95% CI 0.16-0.34, p < 0.001) and perceived physical appearance (r = 0.12, 95% CI 0.08-0.16, p < 0.001). Sex was a significant moderator for general physical self-concept (p < 0.05), and age was a significant moderator for perceived appearance (p ≤ 0.01) and perceived competence (p < 0.05). No significant moderators were found for perceived fitness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, a significant association has been consistently demonstrated between physical activity and physical self-concept and its various sub-domains in children and adolescents. Age and sex are key moderators of the association between physical activity and physical self-concept.
authors: Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia, Mark.Babic@uon.edu.au.
authors: Mark J
authors: MJ
authors: Babic
authors: Philip J
authors: PJ
authors: Morgan
authors: Ronald C
authors: RC
authors: Plotnikoff
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Lonsdale
authors: Rhiannon L
authors: RL
authors: White
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Lubans
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors