Examining Children’s Physical Activity,Imagery Ability,and Active Play Imagery

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether physical activity participation and movement imagery ability predicted the three types of active play imagery (i.e., capability, social, and fun). A total of 120 children (M_age = 9.94 years, SD = .81) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, Movement Imagery Questionnaire for Children, and Children’s Active Play Imagery Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that age (control variable) and physical activity participation were positive predictors of capability, social, and fun imagery. External visual imagery positively predicted fun imagery, while no other associations between movement imagery ability and active play imagery were found. These results suggest that active play imagery is influenced by one’s age, physical activity participation, and ability to use external visual imagery.