The purpose of the study is to identify the leading motives for choosing sports specializations and the barriers that hinder regular participation, using the example of students at the MGSU. Research methods and organization. The following methods were used in the study: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, surveys, analysis and synthesis, and mathematical statistics. A two-stage sociological study was conducted. The pilot survey was used for an in-depth analysis of the structure of motivation, while the main stage aimed to identify the most popular types of sports and activities, as well as to determine the level of student satisfaction with academic classes. Research results and conclusions. A predominance of external pragmatic factors ("ease of earning credit", "convenient schedule") over internal ones ("health improvement") was identified. It was established that, despite a high level of overall satisfaction, there is an imbalance between the university's offerings and students' demand for modern wellness disciplines (yoga, Pilates, dance) and tennis. Recommendations are formulated for optimizing the educational process and organizing the sports and mass activities of the Department of Physical Education and Sports.
Поздеева et al. (2026) studied this question.