The Differences in Physical Activity Levels of Male and Female University Students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.3.16

Keywords:

Physical fitness, University Students, Undergraduate, Sedentary, Health, Healthy lifestyle

Abstract

Study purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of physical activity among undergraduates living in ADISU (Agency for the Right to University Study) residences in order to better understand their situations and highlight the differences between male and female students.

Materials and methods. Eighty participants between the ages of 18 and 28 were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was given to each participant who was selected for the study in order to gather general data and measure physical activity levels.

Results. 60% of the students involved in this investigation are smokers; nonsmokers show a higher average than smokers, which indicates greater physical activity and higher frequency; 52.3% of female students declare not to practice any PA compared to 26.9% of male students; 9.3% of female students declare to practice PA < 1 time per week, while 15.4% of male students declare to practice PA < 1 time per week; 7.4% of female students declare to practice PA 1-2 times per week, while 3.8% of male students declare to practice PA 1-2 times per week; 25.9% of female students declare to practice PA 2-3 times per week, while 23.1% of male students declare to practice PA 2-3 times per week; finally, 3.7% of female students declare to practice PA > 3 times per week, while 30.8% of male students declare to practice PA > 3 times per week.

Conclusions. In conclusion, we think that studies like ours are essential for formulating plans to enhance students’ wellbeing and their academic route inside universities.

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Author Biographies

Fiorenzo Moscatelli, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
fiorenzo400@gmail.com

Maria Ester La Torre, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
ester.latorre@unifg.it

Paride Vasco, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
paride.vasco@unifg.it

Anna Valenzano, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
anna.valenzano@unifg.it

Vincenzo Monda, University of Naples “Parthenope”

Department of Exercise Sciences and Well-being
Via Ammiraglio Acton 38 – 80133 Napoli, Italy
mondavincenzo@gmail.com

Giuseppe Cibelli, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
giuseppe.cibelli@unifg.it

Giovanni Messina, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
giovanni.messina@unifg.it

Rita Polito, University of Foggia

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
rita.polito@unifg.it

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Published

2023-06-30

How to Cite

Moscatelli, F., La Torre, M. E., Vasco, P., Valenzano, A., Monda, V., Cibelli, G., Messina, G., & Polito, R. (2023). The Differences in Physical Activity Levels of Male and Female University Students. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 23(3), 431–437. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.3.16

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