How Long Can You Hold On? Physical Self-Efficacy Predicts Performance Estimation Accuracy Independent Of Leisure-Time Physical Activity

Friedrich Meixner ^1* Sophia Wölfle ¹ Nizar Hawat ²

• ¹ Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
• ² Independent Researcher, Ulm, Germany

Introduction: Accurately estimating future performance is crucial for optimizing performance in sports and exercise. In our study, we aimed to explore the relationship between physical selfefficacy and the accuracy of performance estimation in various physical exercises. Methods: Data were collected from N = 31 students (M = 23.5 years, n = 23 female, BMI 17-30, not engaged in any competitive sports). Measurements included questionnaires on physical activity and physical self-efficacy. Participants estimate their performance in five exercises, prior to performing them: a) dumbbell hold, b) plank, c) vertical jump, d) grip strength and e) flamingo balance test. Results: Independently of leisure-time physical activity, participants underestimated their performance in these exercises. Physical self-efficacy was neither associated with levels of intense, leisure-time physical activity (r = 0.243, p > .05), nor withobjective performance (all p > .05). However, physical self-efficacy was significantly associated with greater accuracy in performance estimation across all exercises (p < .01). These relationships were not mediated by leisure-time physical activity. Conclusion: Physical selfefficacy was positively associated with the congruency between estimation and objective performance, independent of leisure-time physical activity. These findings contribute to selfregulation research by emphasizing self-efficacy as a key factor in performance estimation accuracy, prioritizing cognitive mechanisms over behavioral engagement in self-assessment, and highlight its potential relevance in coaching and self-regulation.