Author(s): Konstantinos Tsimachidis

Abstract:
This study examined the role of perceived service quality and platform connectivity as psychological predictors of autonomous motivation in digital exercise environments, drawing on principles of Self-Determination Theory and self-regulation. Specifically, the research explored how the technological characteristics of digital platforms function as a pedagogical context that supports or constrains the internalization of motivation for sustained engagement in physical activity. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 526 active adult users of various digital exercise platforms. Perceived service quality was assessed using an adapted SERVQUAL scale, while autonomous motivation was measured with the Self-Regulation Questionnaire-Exercise. Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was applied to examine direct and indirect relationships among perceived quality, platform connectivity, basic psychological needs, and autonomous motivation. The proposed structural model demonstrated satisfactory overall fit. Platform connectivity emerged as a significant positive predictor of autonomous motivation, while reliability and responsiveness were identified as the strongest dimensions of perceived service quality. Moreover, satisfaction of basic psychological needs autonomy, competence, and relatedness fully mediated the relationships between perceived quality, platform connectivity, and autonomous motivation. The findings highlight the central role of high-quality and well-connected digital exercise environments in fostering self-regulated and autonomous motivation. By supporting basic psychological needs, digital platforms can facilitate the internalization of motivation and promote sustained engagement in physical activity. These results underscore the pedagogical importance of reliability, responsiveness, and technological stability in the design of digital exercise services aimed at long-term adherence.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i6i.4154

Pages: 620-626  |  150 Views  71 Downloads

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