Sport Sciences and Health Research

Sport Sciences and Health Research

The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention on Perceived and Actual Motor Competence and Motor Performance in Sedentary Adolescent Students

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Fatemeh Shaabani 1
Hassan Gharayagh zandi 2
Azam Noferesti 3
Elaheh Arab Ameri 2
1 University of Tehran
2 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in Sports, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/sshr.2026.393413.1187
Abstract
Background: Sedentary behavior negatively impacts the physical and psychological health of adolescent girls, highlighting the need for interventions to promote active lifestyles.
Aim: This study examined the effects of a 7-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based intervention on motor competence (actual and perceived) and motor performance among sedentary adolescent girls.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 132 female students aged 13–18 were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in a 7-week ACT program, while the control group received no intervention. Outcomes were assessed using standardized tests for motor competence (e.g., heel-toe test, cube placement), perceived motor competence, and motor performance (e.g., Cooper test, flexibility, long jump, 20-meter sprint). Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA in SPSS version 21.
Results: Significant interaction effects (repetition × group) were observed for all indicators (p<0.05). The intervention group showed moderate to large improvements: actual motor competence (heel-toe=0.54, walking/running=0.50, cube placement=0.31, tower building = 0.57); perceived motor competence (0.39); and motor performance (Cooper test=0.88, flexibility = 0.30, long jump= 0.24, 20-meter sprint =-0.71).
Conclusion: The ACT-based intervention effectively improved motor competence and motor performance, demonstrating its potential to reduce sedentary behavior and enhance physical activity in adolescent girls.
Keywords
Acceptance and commitment Therapy(ACT)
motor competence
motor performance
Physical activity
Adolescents
Sport Sciences and Health Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 November 2026