Objective: To explore the influence of self-determination theory (SDT) on adolescent physical activity promotion. Methods: Six electronic databases including EBSCO host, Science Direct, Sports Discus, Springer Link, Pubmed, and Web of Science. The search period is from all databases to all relevant documents from the start date to May 18, 2019. An exhaustive collection of studies was selected to assess the relationship between motivation and physical activity in children and adolescents. Results: A total of 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall level of self-determination motivation had a weak to moderate promotion of physical activity level (ρ=0.21-0.31). Autonomous forms of motivation (internal motivation and identification regulation) had a moderate role in promoting physical activity(ρ=0.27-0.38), while controlled forms of motivation (ie, introversion regulation and external motivation) had weak inhibition(ρ=-0.17--0.03). Lack of motivation showed a weak inhibitory effect on physical activity(ρ=-0.21--0.11). Conclusion Self-determination motives are significatly correlated with continued health promotion behaviors. Therefore, it is an effective method to promote physical health among children and adolescents with self-determination motive as an objective in the intervention.