The most acceptable model explaining the associations between physical exercise and self-esteem is the exercise and self-esteem model (EXSEM). The present cross-sectional study tested the mediating role of body appreciation and physical fitness perception in the associations between physical activity and self-esteem in modified EXSEM. Overall, 1412 Lithuanian adolescents (40.2% were boys, mean age 17.0 (SD = 0.5) years) completed online questionnaires. The study was implemented in 2019 from October to December. Perceived physical fitness and body appreciation mediated the associations in the EXSEM. Physical fitness perception was directly associated with the self-esteem of girls, but not boys. Gender moderated EXSEM associations in body appreciation and perceived physical fitness showed stronger mediation effects for the adolescent girls compared to boys. Increasing physical activity, positive body image and perception of physical fitness might help to foster mental health, especially in girls.

解释体育锻炼和自尊之间关联的最可接受的模型是运动和自尊模型（EXSEM）。目前的横断面研究测试了身体欣赏和身体健康感知在改进的 EXSEM 中身体活动和自尊之间的关联中的中介作用。总体而言，1412 名立陶宛青少年（40.2% 是男孩，平均年龄 17.0（SD = 0.5）岁）完成了在线问卷调查。该研究于 2019 年 10 月至 12 月实施。感知到的身体健康和身体欣赏在 EXSEM 中调节了关联。体能感知与女孩的自尊直接相关，但与男孩无关。与男孩相比，在身体欣赏和感知身体健康方面，性别调节的 EXSEM 关联对青春期女孩具有更强的中介作用。增加身体活动、积极的身体形象和对身体健康的看法可能有助于促进心理健康，尤其是在女孩中。