# Association Between Weekly Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Emotional Intelligence Factors in Spanish Adolescents: Perspectives for Digital and Gamified Interventions

## TL;DR

This study found that Spanish adolescents who engage in more weekly physical activity have higher emotional well-being and sociability, suggesting digital and gamified interventions could help promote these benefits.

## Contribution

The study introduces the potential of digital and gamified interventions to enhance emotional and social outcomes linked to physical activity in adolescents.

## Key findings

- Adolescents with higher MVPA showed significantly higher well-being and sociability scores.
- Weekly MVPA was positively associated with well-being and sociability, independent of gender, age, and BMI.
- Digital and gamified interventions like exergames and mobile apps are suggested as tools to support emotional and social development.

## Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and dimensions of emotional intelligence (EI) in Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, controlling for variables such as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 171 students (92 boys; mean age = 13.73 ± 1.34 years) were analyzed, measuring MVPA using the PACE + Adolescent PA Measure and EI using the TEIQue-SF, which includes well-being, self-control, emotionality, and sociability. Physically active adolescents (>4 days/week with ≥60 min of MVPA) showed significantly higher scores in well-being and sociability compared to their inactive peers (p < 0.05), with no differences in emotionality or self-control. Regression analyses confirmed that weekly MVPA was positively associated with well-being and sociability, independent of gender, age, and BMI. These findings suggest that regular MVPA is associated with emotional balance and social competence in adolescents, highlighting the importance of integrating structured PA programs in and out of school. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of digital and gamified interventions, such as exergames and mobile apps, as promising tools to support the emotional and social correlates of PA by promoting motivation, social interaction, and emotional regulation, offering innovative approaches to support adolescents’ social-emotional development.