University students' ability-expectancy beliefs and subjective task values for exergames

• We examined students' expectancy beliefs and task values for exergames.
• Expectancies and values in exergames activities were compared to those in PE.
• PE was considered as more important and more useful than exergames.
• Inactive students had higher ability beliefs, interest and intention for exergames.
• Exergames could be incorporated into PE to attract inactive students.

The purpose of this study was to use the Eccles' expectancy-value model of choice as a framework to examine university students' expectancy beliefs and task values in exergaming systems compared to those in physical education activities. Two hundred and thirty two first-year undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace completed questionnaires assessing their expectancy-related beliefs, subjective task values, and intention for future participation in the physical education and the exergames fields. Participants' activity level was also assessed using the Godin and Shephard leisure-time exercise questionnaire. Results indicated that expectancy-related beliefs and task values are positively correlated and both constructs are correlated to intention to participate in the future for the physical education and the exergames fields. Expectancy-related beliefs, task values, and intentions across fields, however, were not correlated supporting the hypothesis that exergames represent a distinct field from traditional physical education activities. Physical education was considered as more important and more useful than exergames, nevertheless inactive students found exergames to be more interesting than physical education activities. In addition inactive students had higher beliefs about ability and higher intention for future participation in exergames activities were compared to those of physical education. Conclusively, findings support the notion that exergames could be integrated into physical education and recreation programs in order to attract inactive young adults.