Art du deplacement; recreation and leisure sports; sportization

Summary

This study analyzed and compared the training habits, motivations, goals, and perceived performance factors of leisure-driven (SOC) and performance-driven (NOSOC) parkour practitioners. A total of 141 experienced participants (8.5 ± 5.0 years of practice, 26.2 ± 5.0 years old) from 15 countries completed the PARK-Q questionnaire. While both groups shared some practice habits, they differed significantly in competition participation and motivations (p = 0.001). SOC practitioners were more intrinsically motivated, valuing “Movement technique,” “Collaboration,” “Environmental Adaptability,” “Flow,” and “Decision making” (p = <0.01–0.211). In contrast, NOSOC practitioners prioritized “Bilateralism,” “Parkour movement repertoire,” “Absolute strength,” “Vertical jump height,” and “Flip repertoire” (p = 0.012–0.293). Despite some commonalities, these differences suggest that intrinsic motivation and the desire for broader skill mastery drive the socially-oriented group’s distinct performance factors.