The purpose of this work is double: 1) to develop a motivation profile of gymnastic in physical education and sport (PES) and, 2) to study the relationship between students' motivation to gymnastic exercises in educational setting and their performance during the competition of PES. The study population consists of 70 boys and 109 girls with an age ranging between 15 and 19, from physical education classes of the secondary school of Sbeïtla (Tunisia). The diagnostic study was performed during a teaching cycle of gymnastic to 13 sessions, where we measured the motivation of our students, using a questionnaire. This questionnaire is composed of seven scales measuring students' motivation to practiced gymnastics activity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes determine the validity and fidelity of the questionnaire on motivation in gymnastic. Motivational profile of students in gymnastic activities as well as the level of motivation on the continuum of self-determination could be a mediator of performance. Students with a self-determined motivational profile show a better performance in gymnastic exercises (motivation to accomplishment, motivation to knowledge, motivation to sensations and identified regulation). However, those supporting a non-self-determined motivational profile (external regulation and amotivation) are performed lower compared to the most self-determined motivated ones. The motivational profile could predict performance in gymnastic for students attending PE classes.
