The role of physical literacy in determining perceived motor efficiency in secondary school students

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of physical literacy of secondary school students on the perception of motor competence. In addition, the differences in the perception of physical literacy and motor competence according to gender and physical activity status; the relationships according to body mass index, frequency of exercise (week/hour) and duration of exercise experience in the exercising group were examined. The research wasa quantitative study in which the relational descriptive model was utilized. This study was carried out on 290 ( age=12.90±.93) secondary school students studying in 3 public schools in Alaşehir, Manisa. 153 girls ( girls=12.90±.97), 137 boys ( boys=12.89±.88) students participated in the study. "Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY)", "Perceived Motor Competence Inventory in Children" and "Personal Information Form" measurement tools were used. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, t-test and MANOVA analysis techniques were used in the analysis of the data. According to the research findings, significant differences were found in secondary school students' physical literacy and motor competence perceptions. The psychological domain of physical literacy predicted the locomotor sub-dimension of perceived motor competence. In addition, both psychological and physical domains of physical literacy were found to be a significant predictor of perceived motor competence object control skills. According to gender, it was found that boys' perceptions of physical literacy and motor competence were higher than girls. Also, the motor competence perceptions and physical literacy of the students who exercised were higher than the students who did not exercise. With the increase in exercise experience, children perceived themselves more competent and at the same time, motor competence perceptions of individuals with low body mass index were found to be higher. As a result, physical literacy was found to be an important factor affecting children's perceptions of motor competence.