Motivation and martial arts and combat sports participation: a study protocol

摘要

Martial arts and combat sports (MACS) popularity has been growing, and their associated benefits are widely known.Several studies report psychological benefits related to MACS participation.Albeit there is a broad body of research (following the tenets of self-determination theory - SDT) on motivation in sport and exercise, research in MACS motivation is scarce or very specific to single disciplines or styles.The objective of this study is to understand the motivational mechanisms for adherence and retention on MAC practice, to identify differences between MACS on participants’ basic psychological needs and the quality of their motivational regulation.Mediation analysis will be conducted to explore the mechanisms of motivation on MACS participation.