A cluster randomized controlled trial of strategies to increase adolescents' physical activity and motivation in physical education: Results of the Motivating Active Learning in Physical Education (MALP) trial

•We examined the impact of 3 motivational strategies on physical activity during PE.•This cluster randomized trial involved 288 students (mean age 13.6 years).•Promoting choice can increase activity and decrease sedentary behavior in PE.

ObjectivePhysical education (PE) programs aim to promote physical activity (PA) and reach most school-aged youth. However, PA levels within PE lessons are often low. In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, we examined the effects of three self-determination theory-based motivational strategies on PA and sedentary behavior, as well as their hypothesized antecedents during PE lessons.MethodsData were collected in Sydney, Australia (October-December 2011). After baseline testing, teachers (n = 16) and their classes (n = 288 students; M = 13.6 years, 50.4% male) were randomly assigned to one of four teaching strategy conditions: (1) explaining relevance; (2) providing choice; (3) complete free choice; or (4) usual practice. Teachers then delivered the assigned strategy. Primary outcomes were accelerometer-assessed PA and student motivation during lessons. Secondary outcomes included sedentary behavior, perceptions of teachers' support and psychological needs satisfaction.ResultsThe 'free choice' intervention increased PA (p < .05). 'Providing choice' and 'free choice' interventions decreased sedentary behavior (p < .05). The interventions did not influence motivation, but students' autonomy increased during both choice-based interventions (p < .05).ConclusionsPromoting choice can produce short-term increases in PA and decreases in sedentary behavior, as well as increased perceived autonomy during PE lessons.