PHYSICAL SELF-EFFICACY LEVEL OF ADULTS INVOLVED IN PROGRAMMED PHYSICAL EXERCISES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study considered the level of physical self-efficacy of adults involved in programmed physical exercise in Rivers State. A sample of 300 sample respondents were involved in the study. 150 were involved in a programmed physical exercise for at least 6 months and 150 were involved neither in programmed physical exercise, nor any form of vigorous physical exercise. Age range of respondents was 35 ? 45 years with a mean age of 40 years. An adapted form of physical self-efficacy scale (PSE) by Ryckman et al (1982) was administered on them. The sub-scales of the instrument were PPA?Perceived Physical Ability, PSC? Perceived Self Presentation Confidence and PSE ? Overall Score on PSE. The study hypothesized that there will be no significant difference between those involved in programmed physical exercise and those not involved on physical self-efficacy; that there will be no significant difference between males and females involved in programmed physical exercises on physical self-efficacy. The study utilized the mean and standard deviation and the student t-test statistical techniques in analyzing data. The study found significant differences between those involved in programmed exercise (participants) and those not involved, on the overall physical self-efficacy scale. The study further found significant differences between males and females involved in programmed physical exercises on the PSC and PSE scales respectively. The study concluded that programmed physical exercise improved self-esteem, physical fitness and self-confidence. Sound mind in sound body will enable the participants improve their efficiency in carrying out their daily programmes. The implication for education is that it is only healthy persons that can contribute meaningfully and be involved in study which requires a lot of mental energy. The study therefore recommends involvement in programmed physical exercises for adults.