Role of Physical Activity Among Medical Students; An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Sedentary life style and low physical activity have become major health problem among young generation now days. Musculoskeletal problems are common in students and working adults, associated with ergonomic problems. Objective: To determine the role of physical activity among medical students. Methods: This observational study was performed from August 2021 to January 2022 on medical students of Fatima Memorial Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan after approval of synopsis from Advanced Studies and Research Board, using non-probability convenient sampling technique to collect data from male and female participants doing physical activity after obtaining written informed consent. This survey was conducted by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine physical activity levels, in mild, moderate and vigorous levels. Data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics by Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23.0 and continuous variables were calculated by using mean and standard deviation while categorical variables by using frequency and percentages. Results: According to the results of the study out of total 362 students, 21% students perform vigorous activity, 45% students do moderate activity and 33.9 % students do mild activity. Conclusion: The frequency of physical activity among medical students was measured which showed most of the students were involved in walking for more than 30 minutes to 1 hour and they focus on their health and fitness.