ISSN 1016-5169 | E-ISSN 1308-4488
Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology
Physical activity levels of university students [Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars]
Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2006; 34(3): 166-172

Physical activity levels of university students

Sema Savcı1, Melda Öztürk1, Hülya Arıkan1, Deniz İnal İnce1, Lale Tokgözoğlu2
1Hacettepe University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara
2Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Cardiology Department, Ankara


OBJECTIVES
We investigated the factors that affect physical activity levels of university students studying health sciences.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 1097 university students. Age, height, weight, smoking status, alcohol and drug use, and medical conditions that would preclude physical activity were recorded. Physical activity levels were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the students were classified as physically inactive, minimally active, and sufficiently active.

RESULTS
The mean weekly energy expenditure from physical activity was 1958±1588 MET-min. Of the study group, 72% did not have vigorous physical activity, 68% lacked moderate physical activity, and 1% did not have a walking activity of sufficient level. Physical activity levels were as follows: 15% physically inactive, 68% minimally active, and 18% sufficiently active. Physical activity levels of male students were significantly higher than those of female students (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between physical activity levels of the subjects having a body mass index of <25 kg/m2 and ≥25 kg/m2 (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION
University students have significantly low physical activity levels. More physical activity facilities, education, and opportunity should be allocated to university students for maintenance and improvement of health.

Keywords: Exercise, health behavior, life style, questionnaires; students; universities.

How to cite this article
Sema Savcı, Melda Öztürk, Hülya Arıkan, Deniz İnal İnce, Lale Tokgözoğlu. Physical activity levels of university students. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2006; 34(3): 166-172

Corresponding Author: Sema Savcı, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: Turkish


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