Journal of New Studies in Sport Management

Journal of New Studies in Sport Management

Regular Physical Activity Among Iranian Gen Z: Key Influences on Participation Rates

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Saberi 1
Mohamad Kalantar 2
Alireza NazemiBidgoli 3
1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Management and Accounting, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Iran.
2 Master's Degree in Sports Management, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Iran.
3 PhD student, Sports Management, Collage of Farabi, University of Tehran, Iran
10.22103/jnssm.2025.25114.1376
Abstract
Generation Z's physical activity participation is a public health concern, yet research on its environmental, social, and motivational determinants remains limited. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with 17 sports management experts identified five key factors: personal incentives, safety, the physical environment, peer influence, and sports facilities. Based on these findings, a 49-item Likert-scale questionnaire was completed by 384 adolescents (15–20 years old) in Qom Province, Iran. Quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling and Partial Least Squares. SEM analysis indicated good model fit (composite reliability = 0.86, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87, goodness-of-fit index = 0.46). Individual motivation emerged as the most significant factor (factor loading = 0.867), followed by safety (0.833), environmental factors (0.788), peer influence (0.737), and sports facilities (0.716). These findings emphasize the need for motivational, safe, and accessible physical activity settings for Generation Z. This study highlights key drivers of regular physical activity among Generation Z. The findings offer insights for policymakers, educators, and community planners to develop targeted interventions addressing motivational, environmental, and social factors.
Keywords
Physical Activity
Generation Z
Adolescents
Subjects
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Journal of New Studies in Sport Management
Volume 7, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 1-12