Predicting the physical activity level of adolescent girls based on perceived physical literacy: the mediating role of cognitive abilities

Introduction: Considering the well-known importance of physical activity in determining the health level of people, especially children and teenagers, identifying factors predicting the level of physical activity can be effective in providing effective strategies to improve the health of this group. Therefore, the present research was conducted with the aim of identifying the role of perceived physical literacy level with the mediation of cognitive abilities in predicting the amount of physical activity of adolescent girls. Methods: To carry out this descriptive correlational study, 484 girls aged 12-18 were selected by random sampling from the students of schools in Semnan city in the academic year of 2021-2022. To collect data, three Perceived Physical Literacy Questionnaires, short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and cognitive abilities questionnaire were used. Data analysis was done using Amos and SPSS version 26 software. Results: The results showed that the path of perceived physical literacy to cognitive ability, the path of cognitive ability to physical activity and the direct path of perceived physical literacy to physical activity are statistically significant (P<0.01). According to the proposed research model, the mediating effect of cognitive ability in the relationship between perceived physical literacy and physical activity is significant. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that increasing the level of perceived physical literacy of adolescent girls and increasing their cognitive ability can lead to an increase in their participation in physical activities.