Incidental Physical Activity (IPA) refers to unstructured, everyday movements contributing to overall physical conditioning. Due to the city's topography, athletes in hilly environments such as Baguio City may experience significant levels of IPA, potentially influencing their training and performance. This study explores the role of IPA in the success of Judo athletes from a Judo club in Baguio, examining how daily physical activities outside structured training contribute to their physical development.
This research employed an ethnographic approach, focusing on five adolescent Judo athletes aged 15-16. Data collection methods include participant observation and informal interviews, specifically utilizing Pakikipagkwentuhan, a conversational research method rooted in Filipino culture, to foster an open and natural discussion with participants.
IPA was found to be a regular part of the daily life of adolescent Judo athletes. Activities such as walking around the city and climbing stairs are perceived by the athletes as physically demanding. While these forms of movement are often overlooked due to their routine, athletes recognize that these daily activities contribute to their success by improving their stamina and strength for training and competition and can influence their mental and emotional state. Future research can be conducted on other sport populations and other cities for comparison. Coaches and trainees can also consider the IPA when they develop training programs, especially in cities with the same environmental conditions. Future research can also investigate how IPA assists in recovery, motivation, and long-term athlete development.
