Physical activity level assessment in university students by direct method

Abstract

Objectives To identify the categories in which a group of university students are classified by directly measuring physical activity, and to relate these categories with socio-demographic and anthropometric variables. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional and comparative phase study in 601 university students who were interviewed to inquire about socio-demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status, socioeconomic status and self-perceived health. Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity levels were determined by applying the Perez-Ro-jas-García Sedentarism Classification Test on heart rate behavior. Results Significant heart rate differences (p=0.000) between the active and the inactive group of university students were observed. The inactive group had a heart rate of 143.4 bpm compared to 115.1 bpm in the active group. Regarding the results of the logistic regression, female students had a greater risk of being physically inactive in the objective test [OR 2.6 (1.9 to 3.6)], while overweight and obese people are more likely to be inactive [OR 1.9 (1.4-2.9)]. Conclusion The assessment shows that a high prevalence of physical inactivity in university students is significantly associated with obesity and the female sex. This information is fundamental for designing specific training programs and physical activities for university students.