The Effect of Functional Exercises on Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Health-Promoting Behaviors: An Explanation from the Perspective of Social Cognitive Theory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article/Open Access/ Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Head of Education and Research, Physical Education Directorate of NEZAJA, Tehran, Iran.

3 Research Director, Physical Education Organization of AJA, Tehran, Iran.

4 Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

Abstract

Given the mandatory nature of physical fitness training in the military and its impact on motivational and behavioral factors, the present study was conducted based on Social Cognitive Theory. Utilizing a pretest-posttest design, personnel from the Iranian Army, including both conscripts and permanent staff, were divided into functional and traditional training groups and participated in an 8-week morning exercise program. Behavioral and motivational factors were assessed using the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale and the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. ANCOVA results revealed that after controlling for pretest scores, both exercise self-efficacy and perceived exercise benefits/barriers significantly improved in the functional training group compared to the traditional group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that participation in functional training can effectively enhance exercise self-efficacy and a more positive perception of exercise benefits and barriers. Therefore, the implementation of functional training is recommended as an effective approach in military fitness programs to facilitate the continuation of physical activity and improve overall physical readiness.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Mind, Movement, and Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 August 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 04 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 July 2026

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