Sedentary Lifestyle and Body Awareness in Young Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sedentary lifestyle is common among young adults due to increased screen time, academic pressures, and limited physical activity, raise concerns about health, particularly body awareness and posture. Body awareness, which refers to the perception of body position and alignment, is vital for good posture and preventing musculoskeletal issues. Prolonged inactivity can impair proprioception, weaken muscles, and lead to postural imbalances. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To observe if sedentary behavior impacts individuals’ awareness of their body posture and overall physical activity levels. METHODOLOGY Study Design: Observational study Sample Size: 127 Study Setting: Ahmedabad City Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 to 25 years Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant Individuals, Cognitive Impairment Outcome Measure: Questionnaire on body awareness of postural habits in young people, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. METHOD: 127 young adults, aged 18 to 25, participated by completing both the Q-BAPHYP to evaluate their body awareness and postural habits, and the GSLTPAQ to calculate the sedentary lifestyle behavior and body awareness. RESULTS: 60.5% sit with their back well supported on the backrest. 30.6% stand with more support on one leg.37.9% bend their back to pick up an object from the floor. 14.63% are leading a sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, a large number of young adults exhibit bad posture practices, such as bending their backs when lifting objects or standing with the majority of their weight on one leg. The fact that many participants have sedentary lifestyles further emphasizes the necessity for initiatives that promote increased physical activity and raise awareness of one's own posture. Young adults may avoid musculoskeletal issues as a result of this. Key words: Sedentary Lifestyle, Body Awareness, GLSTPAQ, Q-BAPHYP, Questionnaire on body awareness of postural habits in young people, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire.